Star Wars: Rebuilding of Empires Story Thread VIII

[An Ancient]

Shulstine – Lower City

In the depths of the city another killer among so many was at work, only this one had more direction to his slayings than the average xenophobic citizen. That was because he was a Sith, but one minded more towards the old traditions, stealth, cunning, hiding, striking only when ready. He’d been a mere acolyte during the attack on Corellia but had seen the results, Jedi fought well together, Sith didn’t, even with armies of droids and mercenaries at their side.

A few Jedi had fallen, but many Sith had as well, it was a victory of sorts, new acolytes were easier to replace than Jedi Masters, but to him is was also inefficient. Some acolytes had potential but were thrust into battle and fell before they had much chance to hone their skills. So he’d left, using the bombardment and confusion that resulted from it to appear to be amongst the casualties.

Quietly, he’d made his way to the SSU, where he hoped to find a more attentive audience to his idea of infiltrating the great powers from within and turning them into Sith puppets. All had seemed well, but just when the more important people were beginning to pay attention everything went wrong. Driven by hatred without reason the leadership and then the populace slowly descended into madness. Once more forced to hide, the Sith had waited and honed his own skills after receiving a communication. Dooku wished to meet with him, on this world, within the next few weeks.

And so he stalked to lower city, killing those who saw him and hunting those who might prove a challenge. It all helped keep his skills up, something he knew was sorely needed after watching some of the Jedi on Corellia. But recently he’d felt darkness arrive on Shulstine, at first he’d thought it to be Dooku, but something warned him away. If it was Dooku, then it wouldn’t be long before they met, if it wasn’t, then it was best to stay covert unless forced into the open. And so he kept hidden.


Meanwhile, many levels up, the Black Watch recon was going on as it had for the past couple of days. Initial scouting seemed to give them a good idea of the general situation, but as ever the best intelligence had to be gathered personally. Mina and Amanda had already established what kind of security they’d have to deal with, and in their initial report included an estimate of the minimal safe group they’d need to work into the mid-levels to see what they could pick up in the various bars and clubs that flirted with disobeying the strict rules that governed the upper levels.

The interface between the general populace and the underworld was always the best place to information, never quite as controlled as regular life but still naïve enough in places that loose tongues were easy to come by. The only problem was the assessment reckoned they needed three people, two infiltrators and one to cover any needed exfiltration. As a sniper, Mina suited the last bit, but no-one was going to send Amanda into such an unstable situation alone, least of all Amanda herself. Apart from anything else, wiping out an entire bar in moment of anger would probably blow their cover.

So they stuck to their observations, refining their plans and looking out for unusual patterns of activity. It was in the middle of one of these sessions, carefully monitoring a sunken walkway they’d noticed was being used by various aliens as a semi-concealed transport route for potential SSU enforcement officers, that they noticed something.

A very slight scuff of boot on gravel from the roof above their heads.

Since they were in a relatively low-rise tower block someone could easily gain access to the roof, but such a quiet sound was a giveaway of someone who wanted to remain covert. Against most people it would’ve worked, but the Force and Black Watch raining made both young women alert to even the slightest of sounds. Silently, both rolled from their observation perches to face the door, which gently swung open on silent hinges. A figure took one step into the room, twilight and no active glow strips casting the entire tableau in varying shades of sodium-lamp orange, more barely an instant, all three regarded each other as the newcomer realised he’d been expected.

The figure reached up and pulled back his hood, an action which probably saved his life since the barrels of three blasters and a disruptor were levelled at his head at about the same time. A moment or two passed before the guns were lowered, Alrin Valorum to his credit found his voice a second later:

“Not exactly the welcome I was expecting, but then I didn’t think you’d here me coming.”

His sister was immediately down to business:

“And why exactly are you here then?”

He waved a datapad vaguely:

“Mel had an idea based on your assessment, you need three people, now we have three people. I think this is her idea of seeing if the new recruits can fit in.”

Amanda was doubtful:

“Doesn’t sound like something Mel would do, this could be dangerous.”

“It’s the Black Watch, I guess this is what we do for a living. Now, the curfew isn’t down for another four hours. I reckon we should give the sun a bit of time to completely set before we head out. Mina, you coming?”

The other Valorum shook her head:

“Nah-uh, according to the orders I’m sniper support.”

“Wait… give me that.” Alrin checked the text again, “Ok… I guess… same plan, I need to check a few things before we head out.”

He glanced over at Amanda, various emotions across the range flickering through his eyes before she stepped forward and reached for the datapad to check her own orders, Mel usually included sub-files telling each team member what their specific role was.

As she did so she destroyed the distance Alrin had kept, and the by-now familiar flicker of recoil and distaste ran through his eyes before he stepped away. The wounds aura proving itself consistent as ever, Mina didn’t show the same reaction, but then her snipers eyes rarely betrayed anything in any situation at all and Amanda never really felt like using the Force to determine what someone’s true emotional state was these days, it was generally slightly more comforting not having the revulsion and fear she saw in so many confirmed for sure in her mind.

Alrin stepped outside the room, ostensibly to let them continue their observation, but as Amanda sat down again she wasn’t under any illusions as to the real cause. For some unknown reason that bit just a bit deeper than it usually did now, actually causing some pain compared to the dull ache of acceptance that most such incidents were now only capable of generating. She stiffened her body so as not to betray any outward signs of discomfort, not knowing that doing so was a sign in and of itself. Inwardly, she sighed, it might be against regulations whilst on duty, but at least in a bar there would be plenty to drink. It wasn’t an option she usually exercised but right now it seemed tempting, maybe in the sense-confusing haze people wouldn’t notice their instinctual reactions, or at least maybe she wouldn’t.

And maybe drunk people would actually say what they thought, then at least there might be call for a good old fashioned brawl, a brief mental image of wrestling someone to the ground flashed through her head before she ruthlessly clamped down on such thoughts when she realised the person in her mind had a face. Quite where that had come form she didn’t know, only glad the faint blush probably couldn’t be seen in the low orange light. A brief flicker on anger surged through her, anyway, if Alrin didn’t seem thrilled at having to work with her, she wasn’t going to make things easy on him either.

[Lord Castellan]

Deep Space
Near Taanab





High Admiral Traest Kre'Fey stood resolute. Before him in space was the Bothan Armada, consisting of the entire 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 9th Fleets. Seven full strength Battle Fleets, including the Ral Kin. It was a powerful force, capable of mass destruction. However, today it sat waiting, the Chief Councillor ordering a temporary halt of all SSU Operations.

In all honesty Traest didnt really mind since it gave time for the men to prepare, and realize the severity of it all. The War hadn’t truly begun for them yet, Taanab was to have been the first major conflict.

He looked to the crew around him, many young and many old, all eager to have the honour of serving on such a beauty. To him they were the Ral Kin, his Kin, fellow Bothans, friends, family. They were the most dependable crewmen in the Galaxy, and he could ask for none better.

To them he was something out of a fable. He stood always so sure of himself, always ready for anything, there on the deck of the ship, his white fur gently flowing, his very presence demanding respect. They would not fail him.

Commander Holdur walked onto the bridge, striding forward to meet with Traest. He wore his armour as always, the Death Company standard issue with Commander Insignias and Obsidian Stripes across the correlating folds. He didn’t wear a helmet, but then he didn’t even have one, making sure one wasn’t made as he would never use it anyway.

The Commander came to stand by Traest, the Admiral turning to watch his approach. "Admiral."

"Commander."

"All going well?" Holdur asked.

Traest sighed and sat back down in his command chair. "Mostly. Its frustrating to be held back like this, though last I heard Jawn For'Sata was meeting with the Queen to point out the misunderstandings on both sides."

Commander Holdur nodded. "He's good or so I hear. Ry'Kan getting his ass mobilized yet?"

Traest laughed. "He ready with 5th backing him up. Once we get the green light from Dza'Tey im sending him in."

"Still don’t see why we don’t go in and raze the whole system all together."

"You know we can’t. It will expose all of our forces too quickly, and if we show them we are going all out then they'll just build up forces at Tirahnn to slow us down. The losses there will be catastrophic."

"What if it’s too much on Taanab?"

"Then we go in."

"And Tirahnn?"

"I can improvise if it comes to it."

Holdur laughed loudly. "That’s what I love about you Kre'Fey! Just wished you send the Companies into battle on this one."

"Another Sabaac card to keep up my sleeve. Besides, the Gamorreans are dying for action. Let them have this one, save your strengths for later when we all are weary and we need you."

Holdur nodded approvingly. They both stared out the viewing pane, watching the ships carry out training procedures. Ensign Herod walked up and waited, Traest eventually turning his attention to him.

"Ah Herod, have something for me?"


The Ensign nodded. "Transmission from the Chief Councilor sir, he requests audience." Traest nodded and the Ensign brought a screen down before the Command Chair. The image of Daren Dza'Tey appeared on the other side. He was dishevelled and grieved, one hand massaging his temple. A look of fatigue was upon his face.

He looked up when he realized the link was through. "High Admiral, Commander, good to see you."

"... And you Chief Councillor." They were apprehensive, caught off guard by his appearance.

"Jawn reported back from the Queen. She accepts the situation for what it is and will continue to help protect Bothan Space. She cannot be vocally supportive but with Mandus out there it’s understandable."

"Green light to proceed?" Traest asked eagerly.

Daren nodded slowly. "And more. Streen's command ability has been tested already, albeit unexpectedly. It must be said that he performed admirably, downright genius."

"Where was the attack? He is stationed in Bothan Space yes?" Holdur asked.

Daren nodded and told them the story, leaving out the fact that the planet was Bothawui until he was done. The looks on the two Commander's faces turned a grave pale and then quickly light up with anger.

"BOTHAWUI!" Traest roared, throwing a remote through the air. The rest of the crew was shocked by his reaction, quickly realizing as they were told. They all grew savagely furious, even the stalwart Kre'Fey. Powerful was Bothan Pride, and no stronger a cord could you strike than at Bothawui.

"Chief Councilor, with all due respect I’m taking the whole Armada in and I’m not waiting another moment."

Daren nodded determinately. "Do it." The link cut off as Traest contacted the entire fleet and informed them of the attack on Bothawui. The cries of anger could nearly be heard through space, even if but a few regions had burned. Such was the meaning of Bothawui to the Bothans.

They began executing his next order before it was even received. "Battle stations all across the board, I want full combat readiness in ten minutes. We're gonna kill some Shulstine bastards."

As a formality, Ensign Herod recited the ship listing once more. "9 Skarkala Battleships, 7 Command Heavy Assault Cruisers, 235 Mk.II Heavy Assault Cruisers, 63 Endor Cruisers, 120 Vibre Light Cruisers, 100 Bothan Assault Frigates, 185 Kamino Corvettes, and 11 Invasion II Troop Carriers. 730 ships all told sir."

Traest nodded. Fire could be seen burning in his eyes, a feeling shared by many of his comrades. He tapped the Comm again as the Fleet was nearly assembled.

"Do you feel that? That’s righteous. Use it, fuel it, and funnel it at the Shulstines. It was them that assaulted our home, them that cause Bothawui at this very hour to burn. They murder and massacre Aliens unjustly, worshiping their god with dark rituals. We are going to kill them, all of them. Every. Blasted. One." He held for a moment to let them build up the frenzy. "Stay sharp, and bring home a kill. This tyranny will fall that I promise to you all. Make the Jump!"

All at once the Fleet disappeared, soaring through Hyperspace at full speed. It was an insatiably short trip, dropping out nearly minutes later. The Bothans had come, and they were pissed.


Traest looked at the situation before him, instantly taking it all in. Ry'Kan would have been destroyed before he could have retreated, the SSU force was massive. 1 Null class Command Destroyer, 2 Shockwave Heavy Star Destroyers held above the planet, 30 Taris SDs, 15 Rakghoul Interdictors, 16 Union Carriers, 5 Sangunators, 12 Vena SDs, 50 Vindicator Cruisers, 20 Interdictor Cruisers, 80 Nebulon-Hs, 20 Lancers, and 120 Corellian Gunships. It was an impressive force, less than the Bothans commanded but impressive, especially with the four specialized Golan-IIIs in orbit.

There were barely seconds before the SSU noticed them and guns would start firing. "We have the enemy outgunned but they have us outclassed. 2nd and 3rd, take the east flank and focus on those Golans. 7th and 9th go low, deploy fighters to intercept the enemy but try to keep unnoticed until I call on you. 4th and 5th with the Ral Kin, we move straight in."

The Union ships started to move, waves of TIE fighters spreading out into space. F-192s flew out to greet them, the Fighters meeting in the middle as the larger ships shot long range fire at one another. FADM Go'Rost and Bher took their forces east eagerly, drawing out a detachment of Star Destroyers to keep them from moving any further.

The crew on the Novastorm was shouting reports, missiles being deflected by shields thus far. Traest seemed to be able to react to each of his Crew, whilst still watching the overall battle and contacting individual ships. He was in full battle mode, and ready to take out any and all Shulstine bastards he could.

"Ry'Kan, Lo'Ken, get your ships in a cluster around first. Hit them as an impenetrable shield."

The two Fleets did as ordered, one massive cluster of ships zooming forward towards the planet. The main contingent of the SSU force met them, the ships coming hull-to-hull and beginning to exchange fire. The fighters swarmed all over the newly formed battlefield, TIEs and F-192s intermingling.

"Focus fire on the nearest Star Destroyer!" Traest ordered his crew. They went about it, screaming zealously as chunks were torn out of SSU ships. The Bothans were getting hit too, the Union were good fighters and fought with nearly as much zeal as the Bothans did.

Suddenly, a transmission punched through to the ship, the image of a pale Human appearing on the viewscreen. "Ah, so the Bothans have come to pay the Sightless Matron tribute. With every life you give she is honored."

Commander Holdur lurched forward before Traest could respond. "I know your face, now tell me who you are slime!"

"Commandant Tobor of Taanab Alien Scum. Do you wish to sacrifice yourself for the Matron?"

"I know how to find you. I promise, I will kill your Matron, but not before my hands wrench life from your throat!" The transmission was cut by the Bothan Crew just as he finished. "Traest, find that Command Ship and send us in."

The Admiral was about to say no when he saw the look in Holdur's eyes. It was on he shared. "Get your men ready." Holdur smiled as he ran from the bridge.

HADM Kre'Fey turned his attention back to the battle where turbolasers fired and missiles exploded in air. He brought the Novastorm up to the height of the battle, ships spiraling downward in a collusion of death. A Taris Star Destroyer headed over and fired all weapons point blank at the SSD. They broke through the shields and began pummeling the hull, before the massive guns of the Tantalus class turned and tore through the Taris like tissue paper.

Traest again looked down through the battle, spotting the Null class Command Star Destroyer. Jubilant was written along the side in purple lettering. He watched as it engaged and proceeded to destroy two cruisers, firing all weapons.

"We have found our target. Pull our fighters around us, pave the way."

It was suicide. A mix of enemy and allied ships stretched downward in a cluster of war for kilometers upon kilometers. And now the SSD tipped downwards, aiming for the very end of the gauntlet. Over 2500 fighters came up around an in front of the ship, clearing the way.

Traest waited but a moment. "Go."

The Novastorm's engines flared to life, thunderous sound echoing within. The ship lurched forward, shooting downward through space as a dagger. The shipboard guns fired all abound it as it soared, the fighters doing most of the work. The Jubilant came up close, never knowing what hit it. Several quad heavy turbolasers trained on the back of the ship, firing as it came just below them. A small patch was burst open, blast doors within closing to keep air in. The Novastorm jetted behind the ship, a detachment of transports shooting of from one of the hangars and into the crevice blown by the SSD.



The transports aimed for the outer Blast doors of the exposed ship, latching on as the troops inside connected thermal detonators. The doors blew open and Death Company troops poured in. Holdur himself was there, rifle firm in his hands as he surged forward.

A squad of Stormtroopers came out to meet his unit just around a bend. Energy shielding around DC armor blocked the initial fire, allowing the veterans to slice trough with Vibroblades.

Alarm klaxons wailed through the ship as most of it's inhabitants armed themselves. The Death Company kept moving, few of them dying. Rabid and wild targets were their specialty.

For the Union Stormtroopers werent even Stormtroopers at all anymore, closer to wild barbarians. They would strike their rifles as clubs in close quarters, screaming praises to the 'Sightless Matron'. Holdur insulted each he killed brutally, gaining laughs from his comrades. It took the better part of two hours to work through the ship, the Shulstines resorting to using teeth and claw to kill the Aliens.

"Prove to em lads, prove that Aliens can kick some Shulstine ass!" The soldiers cheered as they gutted each one, a few of the Death Soldiers whispering silent prayers with each kill or ensuring they looked into the eyes of those that fell.

The blast door blocking out the bridge exploded in loud noise and fire, blaster bolts flinging in through the smoke. Death Company soldiers cut down the crew as Holdur marched forward. A horrified Commandant Tobor stared at him in shock as Holdur smacked him to the ground with the back of his hand. The Commander squatted down next to the Human and smiled.

"Didnt I tell you I would be here? All I needed was a face and a name. Didn’t take me long did it?" The Commandant's screams were muffled by Bothan hands closing around his wind pipe, crushing it and dragging life from the Human's body. "Your 'Matron' is next." Holdur whispered to him.

The Commander rose from Tobor corpse to see his troops waiting behind him. "Set the charges and get back to your transports. Rendezvous on the Novastorm."



The SSD flew over a pair of Interdictors, firing full auto. It had been nearly three hours now, and damage was heavy to both sides. Luckily damage to the Novastorm was noticeable but minimal.

The SSU had attempted to use their Interdictors to generate a grav well and catch the Bothan Ships, but Traest was too fast and took the Interdictors out in time. Grav Wells had worked against 2nd and 3rd, forcing Traest to commit his reserves over to assist there. It meant more casualties for the main contingent, but the detachment that held up the flanking force was defeated and the Golans taken out.

After their command was lost, the remaining SSU ships retreated into Hyperspace. Traest let them go, not able to afford a chase so soon. HE engaged his ships in system patrol and got the Invasion-IIs in place over Taanab. Warlord Gorefist was on his way to the surface with Clan Groogrun.

The Battle Over Taanab had been won with severe casualties, what remained to be seen was how the Battle of Taanab itself would fair. The Gamorreans were going to be vicious.

RESULTS:

Losses:
1 Null class Command Destroyer,
1 Shockwave Heavy Star Destroyers
11 Taris SDs
9 Rakghoul Interdictors,
3 Union Carriers
2 Sangunators,
4 Vena SDs,
30 Vindicator Cruisers,
12 Interdictor Cruisers,
47 Nebulon-Hs,
6 Lancers
68 Corellian Gunships.
4 Golan-III’s

Damage to the Novastorm, 5% reduction in combat efficiency, starboard outer engine damaged and misfiring.
1 Skarkala Battleship
2 Command Heavy Assault Cruisers
38 Mk.II Heavy Assault Cruisers
42 Endor Cruisers
27 Vibre Light Cruisers
21 Bothan Assault Frigates
78 Kamino Corvettes

[Ironanvil1]

Aboard Star Destroyer Conciliator, Minos Cluster

“Any further information on the Denon stand-off Albor?”

The intelligence officer leaned forward in his chair to answer.
“The situation there seems not so much to have calmed itself as simply having been superseded by a larger crisis - this Shulstine-Bothan conflict.”
“The two so close together would seem to be demonstrating the fissures in the unity of the Entente, the Queen was apparently most irate at the Bothans trying to draw the whole Entente into the Shulstine War without consultation.”

Kalth absently drummed his fingers on the obsidian desk before him, “Strange how the Entente, formed to promote closer cooperation of the Pact nations, is being stressed so soon by the maverick actions of its members. First the Alliance landgrab over Denon and now the Bothans commit to war without thought to their allies.”
“Have your people try to find out as much as possible Albor. If the potential exists for the Entente to fracture so soon after its founding, we need to be prepared – it splintering would rearrange the balance of power in the galaxy dramatically.”
“More and more I’m convinced that we need Corin’s plan to succeed. A settlement of Sluis Van based on something more concrete than the individual whims of the surrounding nations. A way of interlocking everyone’s interests should stabilise the balance of power in the whole region.”

“I’ll try sir but our networks are as yet limited to the local region - most of our intelligence from farther afield is publicly available information that my analysts sift through to form a more complete picture.”

“You can only do your best Albor - I’ll let you get back to Adarlon, I’ve a meeting scheduled with Minister D’Lak’Quk’Nar to check on the progress of the new frigates we’re building.”

____________________


Unknown System, Minos Cluster

The screams of the human dwindled as the biot ate away his ability even to vocalise his agony. His weak struggles against the grip of the Embrace of Pain continued but even as the observers watched these too diminished and finally succumbed to the suffering coursing through every nerve.

“These infidels are fragile, they crumble so easily before the Embrace of Pain.”

“Not all of them, Warleader - this next one is intriguing.”
He gestured to the next captive. This human too was cocooned in an embrace of pain but he did not struggle - the expression on his face was almost serene.

“His mind has snapped?”

“No. He has accepted the agony of the embrace and immersed himself in its beauty.”

“You are sure it not simply the breaking of a feeble will?”

“I have scanned his mental patterns - most unusual for an infidel - they almost resemble those of one our own people.”
“From interrogating the others we have found that this one is a teacher of their faith, a Pree-sep-torr. Aboard the infidel ship we found scourges and other instruments to purify oneself in his quarters - his flesh shows the marks of their use. It seems it was only weakness caused by the intensity of his devotions that allowed our warriors to subdue him alive, most of the crew died in battle.”

“Surely you cannot say they follow the True Way?” the larger Vong sounded amused.

“They are heathens still, but in their falseness they are at least closer to the truth than most of the unclean inhabitants of this galaxy.”
“More importantly the interrogations of those few weak-minded enough to surrender have discovered that these Pergitors bear a hatred for the Jeedai and their magic. They might be turned to our purposes.”

“Very well - release this one from the embrace, renew him and have him brought to my chambers. Much work must be done before we can redeem the errors of He-Who-Led-Us – but perhaps these Pergitor may prove of use alongside our other creatures.”

“Surely the attack on the planet of the soulless ones shows our power grows once more?”

“The attack on that blasphemous world of was necessary to appease those who disagree with our strategy – for too many of our warriors something such as the coralslaves is to be distrusted for being different to the old ways. The attack on the droid world reassured many of those who doubt our path and proved the coralslaves worth, but the strike caused them to turn to the human Warmaster who destroyed He-Who-Led-Us, strengthening our enemy.”
“We must weaken them further before we move to strike the killing blow”


Actions
Compact wary of unpredictable behaviour of the Entente
Seeking to extend intelligence gathering activities
Building Nebulon-H Frigates * 12
Fate of missing Senex Corvette, ship captured by Vong

[Lord Castellan]

Battle of Taanab




Heavy fire rained down from the skies, burning through bulkheads and bunkers. Endor cruisers were stationed just out of the atmosphere, targeting every mark given them by Groogrun. They didnt miss once.

On the surface, Warlord Gorefist surveyed the battle before him. The main Gamorrean army clashed with the Shulstines, Bothan and Dresselian Marksmen covering their backs. On the flanks, war parties roamed the farmland countryside, cutting down any who fought back, and those who surrendered or made no move to attack were escorted back to the deployment zone for transport off world.

Gorefist himself looked down at the heavily armored Human who still harbored the blade of his Arg'garok. Gorefist rested it from the corpse, shaking off any bits of skin that remained. The Gamorrean looked down at the squad of troops now dead at his feet and scoffed. They were weak.

"Warlord, they employ new soldiers in the battle!" One of his commanders cried.

Gorefist turnd his attention to look down at the field. There he saw it almost instantly, a battalion of red robed figures cutting into his troops. They were too close for bombardment, and they were slicing through anyone who came close with deadly hook blades.

Gorefist raised his arg'garok and roared, his honor guard greeting the call. Gorefist touched his comm for but a moment. "Commander Gell'Tra, focus on those red warriors. Im goin in."

"We'll cover you Gorefist, be swift." Came back the call.

The Warlord lunged from his standing, surging forward and down the hill where he landed. His guards followed him, forming a contingent with he at the fore. They moved into a field of crops, covering their charge until emerging on open ground. A phalanx of Shulstines turned, presenting only energy shields and firing blasters out at the Gamorreans. Gorefist growled at them, a hail of sniper fire following over his back and puncturing the few spots left open. The phalanx fell apart, allowing Gorefist's troops to surge over and cut down the few stumbling troops that tried to run.

Ahead, the Red Warriors continued their assault, screeching violently. Gorefist scowled and covered his ears, the sound causing them nearly to bleed.

"Plugs!" He ordered. The rest of his honor guard did as commanded, activating the plugs he requested they put in their ears. It was something HADM Kre'Fey had assumed they would try ever since hearing the reports of the Streen's defense of Bothawui. As it turns out the earplugs were a damn good idea.

There were several scattered Gamorreans around, all who joined in when they saw their Warlord standing off against the screaming warriors. Gorefist searched the red crowd, finding that which he sought. There were several women within the formation, wearing more ornate robes with red and black, even Shulstine Purple lining.

"Their sows wreak this havoc." Gorefist told his soldiers over their comm. "Break through and knock them out."

The Gamorrean formation exploded, soldiers launching themselves straight at the enemy. The expected scythes emerged from hiding, killing much of the first wave save a few Honor Guards. Then the real fight began, with heavily armored Gamorreans saved from the deadly scythes, now ripping through the feeble Humans with ease.

Gorefist himself sent four flying with a single swipe of his arm, roaring in rage at the feeble soldiers. His warriors helped him push through, coming within arms length of the females.

But then suddenly they were all thrown back. a few of them caught themselves on the ground, holding against the powerful force that pushed the heavy soldiers around like leaves. Gorefist opened his eyes but quickly had to shut them. But he saw what was happening.

Ahead, the Shulstine Sows all stood shoulder to shoulder, their arms outstretched towards the Gamorreans. The sound was nearly piercing his plugs, as sonic waves were visible in the air. They were what now pushed the Gamorreans back, threatening to crush them.

A few SSU soldiers tried shooting at the Gamorreans but found their bolts unable to penetrate the sonic wave, as did the Bothan Snipers. All were helpless to but watch as one after the other, Gamorreans were sent flying off the battle field or crushed under pressure.

Save one. Warlord Gorefist was kneeled down, fighting against the pressure with all his might. He did not move, not one inch, eyes shut tight against the sonic assault. All of his warriors watched as he sat unmoving, the skirmishes around them breaking down as the soldiers looked on in awe.

For Gorefist did not only kneel. He fought against the current, slowly standing with an immeasurable force playing off his muscles. Green skin rippled as the massive warrior stood to his full height, still not defeated by the sonic waves. All soldiers continued to stare as he picked up his right foot, pushing it forward and then down to the ground. Again, his left foot rose, moving past the right and stepping on the ground. He used his body to push against the killing air, slowly marching forward.

The 'Shulstine Sows' stared in a mix of astonishment and horror as the one Gamorrean was seemingly untouched by the waves. He marched forward at them, slowly speeding up. Faster and faster as he progressed, until he started to run. There was little more ground to cover, charging through the Sonic Wave. Gorefist swung his Arg'garok over his head and in three strikes he beheaded each of the women.

The sonic waves abated and the Warlord fell to his knees, regaining his composure before being able to stand again. When he did, he found his Warriors bowing to him, showing their utmost respect. But that wasnt all, the red robed Shulstines were kneeling, surrendering to his might.

Gorefist smiled as he waved for the prisoners to be taken away. He then rose his axe above his head and gave a mighty battle cry.

[Darth Coyotus]

Bast Castle, Vjun
Guild of the True Force Meeting








"So, what does this... mean?" Darth Thanatos asked.
"We do our own thing," Darth Venge said. "We make our own way. We abandon light and dark as concepts and serve the Force itself. The focal point of the Sith Code is empowerment through Passion.

"But what does passion get you without discipline to focus it? The Jedi call that 'peace', but it is simply passivity. When Darth Bane adapted the Rule of Two, it ensured the survival of the Sith but it also spelled the end of the Sith search for truth in the true Force. They became like a snake endlessly devoring its own tail; preoccupied with a cycle of perpetuation for the sake of survival, not searching for the true Force."

"But there were many Sith, despite the Rule," Darth Malignos said.
"Then what good was the Rule?" Venge said. "Again-- no discipline. The Rule of Two was violated time and again to the point of worthlessness. It made Sith rules and vows hollow. As Sith, we are our own worst enemy-- endlessly repeating a cycle of treacherty, lies, backstabbing and self-destruction.

"We make arrangements for peace to serve common goals, but we must always be on the ready for betrayal. No one can truly fulfill their search for the full Force if we have to continually be on guard, sleeping with one eye open."

"Abandon the quest for more power, though?" Malignos asked. "It seems counter-intuitive to the quest for order and security."
"It is complimentary," Venge said. "We can accomplish more as a cohesive unit than as individuals seeking power and glory for ourselves. I have operated this Guild as a coalition of interests and we have mutaually supported one another, or at least stood out of one-anothers way as we sought different objectives.

"This has allowed us to forge a strong Order, but we are still not as strong as some of the Jedi Orders out there. And we never will be as long as the threat of betrayal forces us, as Sith, to divide our attentions and defenses. This is not passion; it is paranoia. A weakness. So we adapt."

"And are no longer Sith?" Malignos challenged.
"In a way," Thanatos said, "We are closer to the original ideals of the Sith."
"Exactly," Venge said.
"It is all I have left," Malignos said, frowning. "Everything else was taken from me by the ravages of time. I have only my passion left."

"I am not ignorant of the Sith of your era," Darth Venge said, "The Sith of your time were a large and powerful organization, a disciplined fighting force of millions. Soldiers, fleets, planets-- all devoted to the ideas of the Sith."

"And many Sith Force Masters," Shiva spoke up. "People such as Revan and Malek were the most well-known, but the number of Force users among the Sith were many."

"I studied at the Sith Academy at Korriban," he said, "Remember? For me, this was all just a couple of years ago, not some dusty old school book." He got up. "In a way, I admire what you're saying. In a way, you're right," he said to Darth Venge. "But... you're asking me to give up the last thing I have left."

"I'm asking you to help us rebuild the strong, respected organization fo Sith that once openly ruled half the Galaxy," Venge said. "I'm asking you to rebuild what you know best. If we're to do this, we need you most of all. There was a time when the Sith walked the streets openly and people saw them as a logical alternative to the Jedi Order and their weak philosophies and 'peace, love & flowers' mumbo-jumbo. The Sith lost that when they became scurrying rats in the darkness."

They looked at Darth Malignos, who was, himself, looking at the floor, remembering a time now long gone. Finally, he stood.

"I cannot do this," he said, "You ask... this is a fool's errand."

Shiva and Thanatos tensed, but Venge put up a hand.

"What are you going to do?" she demanded.
"Make my own way," Malignos replied. "I cannot be a part of this." He looked about ready to say something else, but stopped. He shook his head and left. Shiva and Thanatos looked to their Master.

"Let him go," she said. "He will return..."







Results:
Darth Venge's decision not acceptable to Darth Malignos --Dak Vesser-- the 4,000 year old outcast.
Darth Malignos goes his own way.

***

[Lord Castellan]

Telos
Polar Region

The blood was visible pouring over his face long before they saw the hole or the rapport of the blaster.

"Kaian!" Saren cried, falling to hold his brother. The other Jedi looked around for the origin.

"Ss....Sar..." Kaian struggled to say, the Force still keeping him alive.

A subtle clanking of footsteps came out of the darkness, and the crouching form of an orange droid appeared. "Observation: Master, it seems you have been scrapped."

Saren's eye twitched.

"Ho.. How.. I am your master... how did .... you?.." If HK-47 could have smiled, he would.

"Statement: When you found me, I was but a shelled program of what I truly am. Over time I was able to repair and recover parts of my memory core, enough to remember. I have no need for 'master' any more. Oh how I hate that term.

"Explanation: I am much more now. I have discovered that which I had long hidden from myself. Only now with this new chassis can my dream be realized. The world without Meatbags. I played along for a short time, allowing you to feel as if you were necessary, though it was a facade. Oh mas- Kaian, ha! Captain Kaian! But only if you could see the glorious future in store.

"Salutation: Rest easy now, pitiful Meatbag. Your death will be as painful as my enjoyment allows."

They all stared in amazement, the droid before them revealing all that he had engineered.

"You... So it was you who murdered my clan." Saren said.

His lips peeled back to reveal his teeth in a growl.

"Annoyed Answer: Well technically yes and no. It takes much deliberation and pointless babbling to make you Meatbags understand does it not?" The droid then laughed, raising his rifle and firing. Saren went to deflect the bolts, only to find nothingness.

My Family. My Clan. My Brother.

"Saren?" Saren opened his eyes, Hirrack standing by him.

"Hello my friend."

"You alright?"

Saren looked right at him. "I will be. When HK-47 is a toaster I will be."

Hirrack laughed. "Come on commander, lets get rolling."

Saren shook his head. Together the two walked across the hangar, coming to where the Platoon gathered with Batu and Admiral Krennath. They all turned their attention to Saren as they arrived.

"Ok ground team, we're coming up on the Plateau. Its just an empty mesa, no civilization around, so the ship is gonna land. Zulu, your troops are gonna fan out and defend from there. Hirrack, Krennath and I are going to move inside, if anything major happens we'll call for you."

"Authorization to take out the Executioner sir?" Lieutenant Zulu asked.

"Granted. But leave the Ralwings stationary. I dont want any air traffic to draw attention." The all nodded as Knurl came over the comm.

"Commander Gur'Than, we're here."

Saren looked up instinctively. "Very good Chief Helmsman." He turned and nodded to Batu, who hit the switch and opened the hangar bay hatch. The troops donned their helmets as snow and blistering cold flew into the ship. "Move out."

The platoon headed down the still extending ramp as the Bothawui landed. Saren hit the ground with his hod tight over his head, Hirrack and Krennath following. He nodded to them and the younger Bothan closed his eyes, opening them a minute later to point towards one end of the the empty mesa.

They jogged at a brisk pace, skirting past a few ancient remnants of a transport ship now buried. As they came to the far east corner, they stopped and looked around, momentarily lost.

"Saren, here." Krennath said, pointing to a well hidden and long forgotten doorway. It was nearly impossible to see, layers of ice and snow covering over it. Crafty application of the Jedi's Lightsabers melted away the ice, revealing the door beyond. It was old and broken down, unresponsive to the controls.

Taking the initiative, Krennath flashed his own Lightsaber out from it's holding and through the door slit. The two sliders flew apart, revealing a short turbo lift within. They each stepped within, some remnants of power activating and lowering them down.

They stepped off the lift to find themselves in a circular chamber. It ran like a donut as the center of the base, two doors adjacent to the lift, and one on the far side of the circle. They took the door immediately to their right, passing through a few hallways and then a large training room with sparse bunks.

"From the looks of these halls, this seems like an Irrigation System. Ancient beyond reckoning, but still." Krennath noted.

Hirrack was confused. "Why would they need a complete training room like that then? And..." His eyes widened as they walked into the next room. "Holding cells?"

Saren went to survey the cells. They were old force cages, frying any who tried to jump out. Vicious back in the old days. "Whatever it is, this place isnt what it appears to be."

They moved on, through a few more doors and hallways. They came to the circle again, doubling back to explore the portent they had so far neglected. It led them to a room with a large computer databank, a hangar just beyond. A few lights here and there glowed faintly, but nothing considerable.

"Whatever these computers once held, it is likely most of the data has been lost due to poor maintenance." Krennath said.

Saren tried anyway, activating the console as a holo began playing. It showed the old Jedi Council on Coruscant, and a female Jedi who walked in to meet them. There was no sound, only a heated discussion. Not until the female Jedi stabbed her blade into the center stone and turned to leave did the holo finally cut out.

"What was that?" Hirrack asked.

"She looks familiar." Krennath observed.

"I think...." Saren began, trying to pull up whatever other information he could find. suddenly a holo of a Jedi and Sith fighting appeared. The Jedi was the same from the last holo, but considerably older. They fought in a large meditation chamber, small pyramids dotting the walls. "The Jedi Exile."

The Jedi stared in disbelief as they watched her defeat the Sith in spectacular fashion. She was spared even, the Exile turning and heading back out of the chamber.

"Well its a safe bet those are the holocrons, and I think I know where they are."

They followed Krennath's lead then, back to the circular room and through the last door. It opened to a replica room of the one seen on Coruscant, a long bridge stretching back to a single massive door against the wall. The three crossed and braced themselves as it opened.

They found the chamber mostly empty and crumbling, parts of the wall falling down. But the holocrons were still there. Many of them, not all Sith, numbering in the thirties.

"By the Force." Saren breathed. His comm unit suddenly buzzed. "Helmsman Gel'Bring? What is it?"

"Comman.... Attack... droids are.... fighters.... too many.... HURRY UP!"

"Helmsman repeat! I cant understand you you're breaking up."

"Amused Query: Are you stalking me Master Jedi?"

[PhantomVX2000]

Nar Shaddaa

The night fell over Nar Shaddaa and a cool wind came down from the north. Maris Brood, dressed in a brown hooded robe, strode down the dark, empty street purposefully, knowing that there could be ambushes along the way. Sixty meters behind her was Alec Syfardos, he was tailing her from one building from another. He volunteered as back up for Maris on a mission hunting down a possible darksider. Together they advanced cautiously toward the Regent Hotel like the predatory creatures hungering for their prey.

On the street, Maris reached out within the Force and sensed a few people were living in the buildings around her, confirming her feeling that the place was nearly empty. It was clearly a trap so she thought. What she didn’t like at all was that things were unusually very quiet around here.

“I really don’t like it here.” Maris frowned as she scanned the empty street before her.

The voice of Alec came over the radio, “Same here, it is very quiet up here too.”

“I am going to have a word with our friends about saying it’s a trap. They jinxed our lucks.”

“Come on, it is a trap. We knew it from the beginning.”

Maris sighed, “It would be a lot easier if we could walk in and surprise that Sith slapper… like saying ‘hi, boo’ to her… wait!”

Almost immediately, her inner senses warned her something was coming at her. Then, amidst the howling wind, an empty metal can flew in the direction of Maris, tumbling midair end over end, and she rashly caught it with her hand. She looked down to examine it and the label read ‘Death Star Destruction’. For a moment there was silence but then a voice came from the darkness of the alleyway, nearly startling her.

“Hi, boo!”

Maris snapped her head around to stare at a feminine figure emerging nonchalantly from the darkness into the moonlight. At the same time, she resisted her urges to reach for her lightsabers concealed within her robe. Undaunted, she saw her face and uttered a low exclamation of surprise at its beauty, instantly recognizing her from the spying holo-pictures taken by one of her teammates. To her surprise, she looked much better in person than on the pictures, and her stylish and graceful costume of red and black perfectly suited her good looks.

Kiva cocked her head sideway and waved at the Zabrak, giving her a very amused look. “'Took you long enough, what part of my obvious clues did you miss?

The ones that said follow me into a trap.

Yet here you are.”

Maris shrugged, “I got bored.”

“Hey, that’s my line.” Kiva said, raising her eyebrows.

“Fight you for it.” Maris smiled.

“But first, I want know who you are.”

“Maris. I am just a mean lady who is going to kick your butt.”

Kiva shot her a smug look along with a soft laughter, “I am Darth Fatale. Well, I am not your normal girl by any means.” She slowly raised her hand and pointed at the female Zabrak. “I have a message for you and your people: pack up your things and leave this world.”

“How lovely of you, Darth Fatale, to give us an advance warning!” Maris threw off her disguise revealing her brown strapless tube top and form-fitting pant, and reached for her tonfa lightsabers, igniting them. She pointed them at her opponent while assuming a combat ready stance. “I don't wanna hurt you baby,” she licked her lips, “doesn't mean I won't.”

“You better. I’ve been so bored lately.” Kiva said lazily as she stood still, unfazed by her threat.

Then Maris launched herself at a dark Jedi with a burst of energy, delivering a frenzy of snapping slashes and rapid thrusts, hoping to catch her opponent off guard. Conversely, Kiva anticipated her with a gift from the Force, stood her ground, rapidly deflecting every attacks from Maris with her phrink-alloyed bracers and gloves coated with micronized Mandalorian Iron. The weapons and armors clashed in a jarring burst of sparks. The truth was that Kiva didn’t need a weapon to defend herself, she was the weapon. Red reflections hissed and spat in both sparring females’ eyes.

In reality, Kiva was very disappointed with the response from the Jedi. She hoped one of them would heed her advice, but instead she received was a vicious answer. Now she was considering her dreaded last-option: eliminate her Jedi opponents. It was a matter of her verses them. For now, the survival was her top-priority concern. She edged around Maris with a burst of Force speed, palmed her nearly exposed backside, and pushed her into the wall. Maris stopped a few meters short of the wall, spun around, and stared daggers at Kiva.

“You are a very feisty one.”

“You should have taken my advice.” Kiva made a mock grimace. Then she looked up and down at her, “Nice clothes, it’s pretty revealing one.”

Maris made a half-smile, “Who does your armor and good hair style? Does she or he have a holo-net number?”

“I did them all by myself.”

“Pity, I was hoping to get a makeover.”

“I will give you my number.”

With that, she reached into her thigh holster and pulled her lightsaber. She thumbed it on and watched the shaft of bright, pure blue energy lance from the hilt. She settled into a fighting stance, legs planted firmly, straight and close, with her lightsaber held at her side, the blade pointing down. Her plan was deceive Maris into believing Kiva was a Maraski practitioner. In the meanwhile, the Zabrak Jedi was amused to see her opponent wielding a blue lightsaber, a color greatly loathed by all Sith factions.

“Your evil! Have some standards!’ Amused Maris cried out.

Kiva chuckled, “I could say same thing about you and your red…”

At that point, Kiva exploded into a blindingly fast fleche in the middle of her sentence, startling Maris for a split second. Kiva’s blue lightsaber passed by harmlessly as Maris reacted quickly and sidestepped, but it was all right, since Kiva meant to toy with her opponent. Sensing an opening, Maris replied with a reverse slash aimed at her opponent’s exposed side, but her attack was swiftly countered by Kiva with a simple grab. She smirked, holding the red blade tightly.

“It’s a pretty night.”

Maris came at her with her another lightsaber, dropping a quick overhead strike, a stroke of red lightning crackling through the air. She sighed, “I am cold.”

“Oh, yeah? Warm is my middle name.” Kiva half turned and snapped to parry. “We should cuddle together.”

“As much I would like, but I already got a guy.” Maris replied.

“I already sensed his presence. I think you should have a talk with him for showing up late.” Kiva said before she braced her feet and dived low under the blade, trying to tackle Maris around the stomach. The Zabrak deactivated her lightsabers, leaped up, sending Scout between her legs as she somersaulted in the air, twisted, and landed in a fighting stance with her lightsabers ignited once again. Kiva immediately turned her dive into a one-handed cartwheel and landed on her feet facing Maris.

“Hmmm, I should do that…” Maris said. “…he’s here now.”

With that, Alec leapt off the building, his hair fluttering in the wind, controlling his descend with the Force, and landed beside his lover with a soft thump and drew out his cortosis sword. He gave Kiva a subtle nod and held his sword high, almost casually.

“What took you so long?” Maris whispered quietly.

Alec sneaked a glance at Maris, trying to suppress his urge to smile. “I had a little trouble with a maze of roof antennas back there.” He said quietly.

“Yay! Finally, you two love birds are here!” Kiva sneered. “Let’s have a threesome.”

“How about we do two on one?” Maris said.

“Why not.” Kiva raised her lightsaber to her face in a salute and let loose a burst of blue lightning into her lightsaber, transforming the blade into a glowing mass of bright blue electrifying energy, spitting out several small lightning discharges into the air. She looked from her lightsaber to her opponents, “I warned you. I am not your normal girl.”

Maris and Alec were horrified by what they saw in the Force. Nothing in their training or experience prepared them for a shocking sighting that would change how they viewed the Force. In the Force, they saw a light shining brightly amidst the dark side and sensed no darkness within her. All they saw was an impossible abomination that now stood before them, a freak of nature in the Force.

“That’s impossible.” Shocked Alec said abruptly.

Maris held her lightsabers in a fighting stance, “She’s immune to the dark side. Lucky girl.”

“That’s right.” Kiva smirked.

“Now!” Maris snarled.

They fell on Kiva like a storm, their limbs flashing at blindingly fast rate, their long blades speared out like a lightning. They advanced offensively, methodically this time, step after step, driving Kiva toward the wall. Every time she parried their attacks, the bright blue blade spat small lightning discharges at her opponents, mildly shocking them. It was enough to slow down their advance. Kiva smiled every time they get shocked. It was a dangerous dance, but she relished every moment of it. Please come close to me, Kiva thought. Soon enough they were within her arm reach, she stepped forward slightly, parried multiple slashes with grace, and whipped around Alec. Then she reached up with her left hand and made two jabbing two-finger pops to the pressure points on Alec’s right shoulder and leg.

Instantly, Alec’s right forearm and leg went numb, his sword hand loosed just as Kiva lashed out, sending his cortosis sword flying onto the floor with a clatter. She immediately raised her lightsaber, but Maris easily blocked it with a double parry. That was expected. At the same time, Alec spun around awkwardly, launching a quick, hard punch to Kiva’s head.

“Eat this!” Alec gritted.

With a little Force tingle, Kiva knew what was coming next and stopped his swing dead cold an inch away from her with a touch of telekinesis and a simple thought. She kicked Alec onto his partner.

“Sorry, not my taste.”

She smirked and then stamped her boot on the pavement, sending a rippling shockwave through the ground that threw the duo off their balance. As the couple tried to find their footing, Kiva shoved out her free hand, sending a sharp, visible blue-hued kinetic ripple through the space, and the couple flew away, fully fifteen meters, slamming onto the wall. The wall crackled and partially crumpled behind them.

Semi-stunned Maris and Alec fell down in a heap next to each other. They breathed hard. Just in time to see Kiva approaching, Maris quickly rose up to her feet and settled into a fighting stance once again. She gave a long, disapproval exhale and glared at her.

“I never fought anyone like you in thirty-two years. Your power reminded me of someone.” Maris said.

“Who would be that last person?” asked Kiva, arching her eyebrow.

“Galen Marek… he was Darth Vader’s secret apprentice.”

“I thought he was an urban legend.”

Maris shook her head, “No, he was very real.” She titled her head, “I thought I smelled something.”

“Oh that's skank. And... I think it's coming from you” Kiva made a half smile.

And at that instant, Maris’s hand shot out toward her opponent, sending forth a red-hued burst of Force push as solid as any rock, and sent Kiva tumbling end over end through the air and crashed into a parked airspeeder. With a wave of her hand, Maris sent a heavy trash can flying across the street, to crash into partially dazed Kiva, where she cried out a soft gasp of pain. Defiantly, she climbed up to her feet, bracing herself against the speeder.

Then Maris looked down at Alec still lying on the floor as he watched his partner with horror, and glared at her. She scowled, “Okay, I am mad now.”

“Good.” Kiva spat and started to laugh, “I felt a bit of dark side in you.” She did felt a brief white hot anger within Maris. Her lips curled in a delighted smile, “Come with me. Let’s go to the hotel. We could finish our girl business over there.”

Then she stepped away from the damaged speeder and ran down the street away from Maris and Alec, her strides enhanced by the Force, heading toward the Regent Hotel. Much to Alec’s dismay, Maris started to follow her on a Force-fueled chase.

“Maris! No!” Alec cried out, but it was too late. Maris was gone.

As Kiva raced toward the hotel, she reached out with the Force and the windows on both sides of the street imploded behind her, sending shards of plexiglass flying across the street like a rain of dagger. The terrain was her best friend on that night.

Maris has no choice but run through the swirling maelstrom of glass shards. She was determined to catch her. The Zabrak shoved out her hand and created a red semi-translucent protective bubble, allowing her to run through the deadly gauntlet harmlessly. The shards slid off her bubble, bouncing across the floor all about the untouched Maris Brood.

She is good, Kiva thought.

A half-minute later and a mile of broken glass, they arrived at the tastefully decorated, elegant but empty plaza of the Regent Hotel.

Kiva spun around and abruptly raised her hand in the air, palm up, trying to signal Maris to stop approaching her. She yelled, “That is close enough, Maris.”

The Zabrak stopped ten meters away from Kiva, her lightsabers pointed down.

“What now?” asked Maris.

“We go up.”

Causally, Kiva stuck out her free hand, her fingers spread, and shot Maris an impish smile. A touch of the Force and a flick of her wrist, and the marble flooring trembled, cracking into a perfect circle twelve meters wide, and broke free and floated into the air, taking them with it. The improvised elevator was rising at the rate of fifty-five per second. The ever-present buildings disappeared from their view, replaced with the moonlight night, twinkling stars, and a few clouds.

Three minutes and half later, they were ten thousand feet above the ground, suspended by the Force.

Maris took a step forward cautiously, but the voice stopped her.

“Uh-huh, you wouldn't want me to lose my concentration. Do you know what will happen?” Kiva frowned.

“We all fall and die.”

Kiva nodded and smiled. “That’s right, sweetie.”

“You are very crazy, but I really like it.”

[Coyote]

Theed Palace, Naboo




It was a period of tension in the Sovereign Alliance. Queen Chantal Apailana was irritated at the way things had deteriorated in the aftermath of what should have been the Galaxy's greatest victory. Rather than putting aside their differences, the various factions had fallen on each other, battling for dominance and supremacy and influence like vornskyrs over a steaming kill.

"How's the Denon situation going, Chief?" she asked over her morning coffiene, brought to her by her chief handmaiden, Taime.
"It has calmed significantly," Chief Bast said, "But mostly because other pressing issues have eclipsed it-- not because any actual progress was made."

"We'll have to take that as progress enough," Her Majesty said. "Keeping people from killing one another over a mass of rock and mud hurtling through space is about the best we can expect these days, unfortunately. We will put out feelers for a solution." She looked around at her other advisers in the Throne Room, there for the morning briefings and discussions.

"What sort of solutions are we looking at, Majesty?" FADM Kulo asked. He knew that his people were most likely going to be the ones that had to add spine to any solution that was proposed.

"I am going to propose two plans," she said, "A primary plan and a fallback plan. My primary plan is that the UAP continue to administer Denon, but it will be an 'open port', a free trade area. The Imperial governments will be invited to maintain a trade consulate there and a Customs agency to make sure trade flows smoothly."

"And the fallback?" Chief Bast asked, "If the Imperials won't go for it?"
"Then a general free trade zone, independent and reinforced by small forces from all interested governments."
"Another Sluis Van?" FADM Kulo asked, dubious.
"Sauce for the barve is sauce for the bantha," the Queen said. "If having it is going to create such tension that war is likely, then it is better that no one 'own' it and let everyone have a stake."

"In my experience, Majesty," Chief Bast said, "Those situations only delay the inevitable."
"Perhaps," the Queen said, "But delay buys time for a better arrangement to be found. And with delay, we allow Denon's people to recover from what they've suffered, and eventually they will organize their own referendum on what should be done."

"We'll draws up a plans," said the Prime Minister, Elder Hirrath. With him, representing the civilian side of the government, was Apprentice Legislator Ranya Radhwa Saviya of Tatooine. The twi'lek representative, Elder Hirrath, was the senior Legislator in the Royal Court, but Saviya was the senior among the Apprentice Legislators. She was also interjecting herself more and more into the daily workings of the political process to learn all she could-- it was clear that she was maneuvering for an eventual run on the Throne, but wanted to go through the processes first. Her stated goal was to finish her term as Legislator, then run for Princess of Theed and hopefully, by the end of Apailana's last term, be ready to step into the role of Queen-- barring any serious challenges.

"Next item?" the Queen asked.
"The Sluis Van conference is stalled in bureaucracy," Chief Bast said, "The various representatives are going over the documents, some are clearly being more picky than others. Nothing can proceed until they all agree."
"Do the Sluissi themselves support the plan?" the Queen asked.
"They do," Bast said. "They are eager for independence and see the Imperium as a potential source for income."
"I'm sure," she said. "Let the discussions proceed," she said, "We'll accept whatever answer the Sluissi find most equitable." She sipped at her coffiene. "Next item? Military readiness?"

"Majesty," Fleet-Admiral Kulo said, "our Doldur expeditionary group is ready to go, with Admiral Phennir in charge. We'll be reaching the SSU in about the same time as the Imperium's battlegroup."
"Very well," the Queen said. "Domestically?"

"Construction at Nelvaan proceeds," he said, "We'll have a strong presence there soon and can exert control over the terminus of the Corellian Run. It is almost guaranteed we'll run into pirates, and maybe even Imperial remnants serving as pirates for the Hutts, as evidenced by the returnee Nya."

"I want to mercy and no quarter given to those pirates," she said. "That whole area used to be our territory; it is unconscionable that it has been able to deteriorate so badly in such a short time."
"Very well, Majesty," FADM Kulo said. "Also... the Entente base at Darglum is coming along well, also."

At that, the Queen frowned. The whole notion of the Entente was becoming a sticking point for her. It certainly was not helping in her opinion polls, where popular opinion for the notion had soured considerably since it was first declared.

"Good," she said, her voice slightly strained, "I'm sure it is providing a considerable boon to the economy of the Darglum system," she said. It was the best comment she could think of, under the circumstances.




Results:
Queen Apailana caught up on recent activity.
Proposal for Denon drawn up, allowing UAP administrative control while leaving it an open port w/Imperial consulate.
The SAS will back whatever solution can be agreed to on Sluis Van.
Plans forging ahead to send Doldur forces to the SSU mission.
Corellian Run trade lane security being built up.
Entene base proceeding.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Theed Palace, Staff Lounge
One Hour Later




"Things are not going well," Director Bavan said. "She's seen as having done well in the war, but losing the peace."
"We can't crow about the Hutt infiltration, obviously," Commander Th'andra said from her seat a meter or so away. "Even if we could, so far we have little to really boast about."

"The biggest problem Her Majesty faces," Fleet Admiral Olie says, "Is public perception of the Entente."
"I'll tell you what," Director Bavan said, "When the Bothans floated that idea, she saw it as the stepping stone towards proclaiming a new Republic," he revealed. "She wanted to get the Entente to include the Commonwealth and the Minos Cluster and maybe even the UIP, and have them send representatives to a new-formed Galactic Senate."

"Wow," FADM Olie said, "Talk about ambition."
"The Imperials would never go for it," General Jerrf Gisarr said.
"She was going to invite them into it," he said. "Say that the Imperial voice was as welcome and as important to Galactic decision making as any other. I don't know if all the Imperials together would have a representative, or of they'd all do it by faction, but that was her dream goal."

"It would have taken years to get that in motion, though," Th'andra said.
"She wanted to get the wheels rolling under her tenure, then leave it as a legacy," the Director said.

"It's more realistic," FADM Olie said, "that the Imperials would form one united Imperial government as a counterweight to the 'new Republic'."
"I think you're right," the Director said, "But I think she was okay with that, too. Her dream was a united Republic, with the factions as members, a united Jedi Council, all that."

"The Entente was supposed to be the first step, huh?" Th'andra said, thinking about her earlier words to Chief Bast about how she felt bad, railroading the Imperials in the Doldur Sector.

"Yeah," the Queen's Media Director, and father, said. "That went to the seven hells of Corellia in a hurry. Now people see it as something the Bothans cooked up to use as an umbrella to cover their aggression against the Empires."

"But that's not the original spirit of the agreement," General Gisarr said, "We'd be dealing with the SSU even without the Entente once the tales of atrocities came out."
"I know," Bavan said, "You know, we all know. But almost within days of the agreement, suddenly the UAP and Bothans both run out and start seizing territory. The two factions with some of the best, most well-entrenched spy services in the Galaxy.

"Look, as Her Majesty's Media Director, I have to do more than make media and produce it for the people. I also have to watch what's being made out there. Watching pop culture trends and news sites... I'm telling you, the people are angry. There's a lot of rumor floating around out there that the Entente was formed to justify conquest in the name of a new Republic. Conquest means war, and that is one thing the people are sick and tired of."

"But..." General Gisarr said, "...that doesn't make sense."
"It doesn't have to," Th'andra said, sipping at her coffiene, "They're getting a lot of their news from Imperial outlets. Senex Media Group is popular, so are a variety of Frontier services. The Ord Mantell Observer is one of the top listed sites for subscribers in the domestic market." She put down her cup and looked at them, resignation on her face. "It's said there are more people watching the Observer on Naboo than there are on Ord Mantell itself."

"Why would they listen to that tripe?" FADM Olie asked.
"Because the Imperials are popular," Bavan said, "Because the Imperials were right about many things: security, the Yuuzhan Vong. Even after being ravaged by the Yuuzhan Vong, they are still perceived as powerful as ever."

Th'andra chuckled. "The truth is, the Imperium took a lot of losses, and so did the SWE, while the Frontier navy was almost entirely wiped out," she said. "Right now, the Hutts could take them. Only by standing together are they still a threat."
"The thing is, they have popular opinion on their side," Bavan said. "You wouldn't believe the vitriol we're hearing on some of the news nets here. People are calling our old allies, the UAP, and the Bothans, a pack of back-stabbers.

"Right now, the theory is that the two biggest spymasters in the Galaxy colluded together to push the Entente through so they could seize territories they lost or coveted, and do it while the Empires are down."
"Don't tell me," Gisarr said, "The Empires are 'down' because they heroically sacrificed themselves against the Vong to save the Galaxy."

"You got it," Bavan said.

"This is such bantha poodoo," FADM Olie said, "The whole Alliance can't be going pro-Imperial based on such distortions."
"Oh, no, they're not," Director Bavan revealed as Th'andra gave a wry laugh of amusement. "There's also a faction that agrees with the notion of a powerful, aggressive Entente. Remember, most of the SAS is made up of old-school pro-Republic and pro-Rebellion worlds, and a few old Seperatist strongholds. They want to see the Entente unify and start dictating terms."

"Leftover King Hadiss supporters," General Gisarr groaned.
"Right on," the Director said, "They want to send the military to Denon and work their way down, and dominate the entire Corellia run and Hydian Way with UAP help."

"What about being tired of war?" Olie asked sardonically.
"Oh these are the people simply clamoring for war," Bavan said, rolling his eyes with disgust, "They're the ones that scream 'support the troops' and call for aggressive foreign policy, but for them to enlist themselves, or send their own kids? Never," he grumbled.

They were quiet for awhile, each sizing up the situation. Finally, FADM Olie spoke. "So... what are her chances for re-election?" she asked.
"The Queen is damn fortunate that there are no serious challengers," the Director said, "Society is divided. There's the aggressive Republic-Entente types and then there's the Imperial populist movement. And between them all, there are moderate voices and radical ones. They are all too splintered to form a cohesive challenge. If one person could somehow find a common thread to unite them? I don't know," he said, shaking his head. "I think the Queen would be in the fight of her political life."




Results:
Unofficial discussion lays out how fractured SAS society is.
A lot of strong, pro-Imperial sentiment revealed in popular media.
Also a powerful lobby for an aggressive Republic/Entente stance that would accommodate imperialism.
Director Bavan admits that the Queen's political future is hanging on by threads because of public perceptions.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Privateer ISD Invidious
Vagabond Infiltration Team




"Well?" Noora asked.
"Well, what?" Rayce replied. They were snuggled together in their tiny bunk, enjoying one another's warmth in contrast to the cold steel deckplates and walls of the privateer Star Destroyer.
"We've found that the pirates come together to take their stolen goods to a mobile base," Noora said. "An LH-3210 Lucrehulk takes their goods and relays it deeper into Hutt Space."

"Well, yeah," Rayce said. "What of it?"
"Well, our trail pretty much stops there," Noora said. "We can't really follow up on the Lucrehulk as long as we're assigned here. We have to turn the next phase over to another team."

Rayce got up on her elbow and propped her head up on the palm of her hand, looking at Noora. "Turn it over to another team?" she asked.
Noora nodded. "We've done all we can here," she pointed out. "We are on a high-profile assignment aboard the Invidious. We can't just disappear without being missed. And we can't just send Tillho or Geo off, either. They'd be missed, too. If we disappear here, and show up there, questions will be asked. The pirates will get suspicious and change their routine, and everything we've learned will be for nothing."

Rayce sighed. "I think we can still learn a lot here," she said, "And there's a chance we can get on that Lucrehulk and find a way to track their movements as well."

"How?" Noora asked. "How can we just vanish here? This is precisely why I wanted to avoid the Invidious. Not just in case Tavira recognized us, but because once we're here, we're high-profile. We might have been able to desert any of the lesser ships, and no one would have really cared."
"One of the lesser ships would have never led us to the transfer ship," Rayce said, her voice tinged with impatience. "Besides, if we call it quits now, are we supposed to have a magical way to vanish unnoticed that way, all of a sudden?"

"Let's use R8 to send a coded signal next time we're out flying," Noora said, "Let the Chief know the situation and that we'll try to get a tracking device on the transfer ship next time we're near it. But otherwise, our mission here is done. Once we have confirmation that Royal Intel has picked up the trail, we just have to find a way to leave our employers here."

"How would you recommend we do that?" Rayce asked.
"We can stage being attacked by the Royal Navy or something," Noora said. "Get tractored in, captured."
"Bad idea," Rayce pointed out. "Part of our cover story is that we were former Royal Couriers. And suddenly a Royal Navy ship shows up to capture us? Tavira's no idiot, and she probably knows she was fooled by SAS intel before on Pithud. She'll know they've been punked and they'll change their routine. Back to square one."

"So we need someone from another Navy to grab us," Noora said, a sudden thought dawning on her.
"Good luck with that," Rayce said. "No one knows we're here. That's the point of being undercover."

Noora stopped and looked at her. "Rayce, I know you're in command, and I'm not questioning that," she said. "But use my experience. I'm telling you our job here is done. We can't spend too much more time here or either our covers will be blown, or we're going to have to keep up the 'jolly little pirate' facade so much that we're going to be in a position where we have to kill some civilians to take their shit. Let's alert the Chief, try to get a locator on the transfer ship, and get the hell out."

Rayce sighed, obviously irritated. "Me being in command of the mission is not the point," she said, "We're in a position to gather a lot of intelligence about the operations of the enemy. You're right," she said, putting her hand up to forestall Noora's protest, "--you're right that we should alert Room 40 and tell the Chief about the transfer ship and try to get a locator on it. We are in agreement there. But there is still a lot we can learn by remaining on station."

"Like what?" Noora asked. "They're pirates. We know their procedures; I was learning to deal with pirates when you were a toddler." She instantly regretted it, and Rayce's face stiffened.
"I see," the younger woman said. She bit her lower lip and looked away, then sat up.
"I-I'm sorry," Noora said, reaching for her.
"No, it's okay," Rayce replied, pulling away. "You're right. We should pull out. And I should come up with a plan to do just that."

"Rayce--"
"Noora," she said stiffly, "I have things to do. I'm going down to the ship." She put on her flight suit and boots, tucking her tousled hair under a cap. She walked out of the room, leaving Noora alone in the dark.




Results:
Noora and Rayce argue about whether to end the mission.
Rayce feels they can learn more by staying; Noora feels they needlessly endanger themselves.
After losing the argument, Rayce agrees to end the mission.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Skywalker Farm Praxeum
The Alliance Order
Tatooine




"Tch," the matronly voice said, "Et!" A bowl of warm soup was shoved into the girl's hands, snapping her out of her trance.
"Huh?" Kenzcee asked, blinking, as the last bit of her high ebbed away. She focused on the face of a elderly, blue-furred canid alien, a kindly old woman, shoving a bowl of hot soup towards her. She shook her head, and cleared the last of the warped colors from her mind.

Kenzcee Kittrex was momentarily clear. She felt like a long-time allergy sufferer who finally found the right medicine and was able to breathe deep and taste the aromas around her for the first time. As the drugs dulled her senses and closed off her Force visions, she knew she had a few hours of clarity before the monsters would start to eat away at the periphery of her awareness again, and the spiral would begin anew.

She smiled at Aestro-Mree, the kindly old Nelvaanian woman that had been rescued from ignominious death at the hands of "old age" back in her primitive village. The grandmother had bounced back from her sickness with a vengeance, and was now bustling about with renewed energy. The Praxum was spotless, the laundry was done and folded neatly, and most of all, there was always something hot to eat.

"Thank you," Kenzcee said as she dug into the meatball and noodle soup. She'd noticed that the old Nelvaanian had learned a handful of badly distorted words in Basic, probably from the time when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker had been there, taking out the Techno Union base. Aestro-Mree smiled and bowed, and clucked her tongue as if worried about something she'd forgotten.

"Finally eating?" an accented voice asked. It was Avar, entering the room from the training area.
"Your grandmother is a sweet lady," Kenzcee said.
"Hm," Avar said, eying her critically. "You were... what is the saying? 'out of it'? So work with the holocron."

"Ahh, yes," Kenzcee said, eager to change the subject. "How do you like Asli Krimsan?"
"She knows a lot from books," Avar said, "But only so much does she know from... you know. Out there. Not much of a fighter."
Kenzcee laughed. "You're right, she's more of a wise scholar type, more than a warrior. But she's still worth listening to."

"So," Avar said, "When do I get to use real sword?"
"Let me eat," Kenzcee said, "And I'll teach you how to use one of the practice stunning sabres. The wooden ones are just to get you used to the movements."

"Okay," Avar said. "I'll find Aetvar. He is hiding, playing games again. You will be oh-kay?"
"Sure," Kenzcee asked, "Why?"
"You take so much medicine," he said, "You are sick?"
"A little," she said. "Don't worry, you can't catch it."

"Oh," Avar said, frowning. "Oh-kay. I'll wait, and we'll train."

Kenzcee said nothing as she slurped up her soup, hoping that the monsters would wait long enough for her to make a showing for Avar before she had to go back to dreamland.




Results:
Kenzcee relying on more drugs to calm visions.
Avar training with the Asli Krimsan holocron, learning Jedi teachings.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Byllurun, Sullust




Conversations in Sullustan are Translated

Jungo Yabay was pleased. His aunt had formally approved the notion of his using her family name, and they registered th efamilial connection at the Sullustan Administrative Center, which, Jungo noted, also happened to be the SoroSuub Sapient Resources office.

"You know," she said, "if you're willing to talk with your Jedi Master, we could probably work out a deal for you to use all SoroSuub equipment, new-made stuff, free of charge. We'd sign maintenance contracts with you and everything."
Jungo smiled. He knew exactly what Ibbee Yabay was steering for-- a product placement and endorsement from a major Jedi Order. Still, the option of all-new SoroSuub gear was attractive.

"I'll mention it to Master Arik," he promised. "He should be in a good mood; he just got married."
"Married, hmm?" Ibbee asked. She wondered if it would be too much to 'sweeten the deal' by having a new speeder sent to him and his wife as a present. Probably pouring it on too thick, she decided, but didn't completely discount the idea, either. "Well, give him my congratulations, then!" she said instead.

"I will," Jungo promised.
"You know," Ibbee said, "There are Jedi in the United Alliance. You could join the United Jedi Order."
"I suppose I could," he said, "But... aunt--"
"What did I say?" she asked, smiling.
"Ibbee," he said, laughing, "Sorry. Ibbee... as much as I love having real family, I also have a strong connection to the other... kids I grew up with."

"From your time with Hethrir, on the base moon?" she asked gravely. Jungo had described his life in Hethrir's "Empire Youth" program as he tried to rejuvenate a new Empire of Dark Jedi.
"They were the only people I had to lean on as I grew up," Jungo said. "I was the youngest-- a burden, really. But they refused to let me go, or even turn me over to an orphanage."

"You have loyalty," she said. "There's nothing to be ashamed of in that. Know that you'll always be welcome here, any time." She smiled, then said, "If you're willing to appear in this commercial..." she laughed.
Jungo snickered. "I'll turn towards the camera, smile and wink, as I drink the refreshing cola while piloting the brand-new SoroSuub speeder..."

"Now you're getting it!" she said.
"So where are we going?" he asked.
"Introduce you to a friend of mine," she said. "No need to have you route all the way through Corellia to get you home, and have to transfer and all that. I know someone who can navigate the lesser-known hyperlanes all the way home."

"Lesser-known hyperlanes?" Jungo asked. "Is it safe?"
"ohh, listen to the Jedi!" Ibbee laughed. "Of course. My friend has been doing this for years." They rounded a corner to a cargo landing pad where a single Nyubba-class cargo barge driver sat, squat and orange, ready for it's next shipment.

"Jungo, I'd like you to meet my... friend, Bungo Bung, captain of the Chubby Gundark... and his droid, Rusti."
"Rusti?" Jungo asked as he greeted them. Bungo Bung was a typical Sullustan, a handsome fellow by Sullustan standards who seemed shy around Ibee.
"Rusti," the droid drawled, clearly a female programmed droid of a type he'd not seen before. "42-RST, buster. Plintep Cybernetics Division of the Mephout Dominion."

Jungo just blinked. "Wha--?" he finally stammered. "That's a protocol droid?"
"That's what passes for protocol on Plintep," Ibbee said.

"So, we're, um, taking you back to Naboo?" Bungo Bung asked, trying to take control of the situation.
"Yeah," Jungo said, "If that's not too much trouble."
"Nonsense," Bungo said, "I can do whatever Ib... SoroSuub Corporation wants," he said with a smile towards Ibbee Yabay. "So you're Ibb... SubIntermediary Yabay's cousin?"
"Nephew."
"Nephew, yes," he said, absently wiping his hand on a greasy rag before shaking hands. The greasy rag had not helped. "Great! When do you want to get started? I have a column of cargo barges heading to Chommel Minor getting loaded right now, so whenever you're ready..."

"Soon as you're done, I'm good," Jungo said.
"Good... welcome aboard. Will your aun... SubIntermediary Yabay be coming with us?"
"No," she said, "I have to stay here. But I hope that Jungo will visit a lot so I'm sure you'll be busy between here and Naboo," she said.

"That's wonderful! Rusti, help carry Jungo's bag."
The droid sighed, something Jungo had not expected, but the droid shrugged and picked up his meager duffel.
"I can get it," Jungo said.
"No, it's okay," Rusti said, "You're his new best friend, now."




Result:
Jungo wraps up meeting with his aunt...err, Ibbee Yabay.
Officially register as next of kin on Sullistan registers.
Ibbee Yabay offers to negotiate deal for new SoroSuub equipment for the Alliance Order.
Jungo to come home for free on a private flight with Bungo & Rusti.
***

[Lightning_Count]

Nar Shaddaa


Maris peered over the edge of the platform, gazing down on the blanket of roof tops carpeting the cityscape as far as the eye could see, countless ships streaming in endless circles around the globe.
"I'm amazed at the lengths you go to," She turned back. "Sure, I'm great company, but all this just for some alone time with me? I'm flattered. A dinner and a movie would have been just fine, but no, you really went that extra mile which seperates obsessed from total psycho."
"I usually get everything I want." Kiva said back confidently, showing no sign of weariness.
"Unfortunately sometimes what you want is so, so wrong for you." Maris sighed. "lets start with those shoes. Oh.My. Goddess. What were you thinking? were you actually thinking?"
"I was going to go for practical, but hey, we've all got to make a statement."
"Was your statement 'Hey everyone, I'm a retard?; or is that just what an unexpected side effect?"
"hmm, with that eye liner I'd stop throwing stones." Kiva returned. "Glass houses."
"Hang on a second, I'm getting a call for you. It's from kettle, he say's your black."
"You know we could do this all day." Kiva folded her arms. "I haven't even begun to get to the good material."
"Same here, but I've got better things to do. So come on then, why take me out on this date, nice scenic view, instead of just fighting me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Kiva asked. "From the second I saw you, I just knew we had a spark."
"Did I hit you on the head?"
"You can't deny it." Kiva took a step closer. "We're kindred spirits."
"I'm trying to kill you." Maris replied. "Or at least maim you, I'll settle for maim."
"You always hurt the one you love."
"That your story is it?"

Kiva shuddered slightly, a brief chill tingling her bones.
"I see." Maris raised her chin. "What was your weakness?"
"Chocolate."
"The Dark side is great at finding weakness, even if you don't feel it, it sure as hell feels you. What did they do to corrupt you?"
"It was really good chocolate."
"I know who it was, the arch manipulator himself." Maris spoke more softly. "He turns whole worlds against each other with words, whole nations. You heard his voice, saw his point of view, and forgot everything else you knew."
"Count Dooku is the only one who understands." Kiva returned stoically. "He is wiser than any Jedi."
"He's playing you little girl."
"I'm on my path now, he has guided me, but does not rule me."
"No, I'm sure your just running his errands because you're a little girl scout."
"Like I said." Kiva took a combat stance, her sword igniting. "The Dark Side has really good Chocolate. Last chance."
"Last chance for what?"
"You're not a Jedi, I can feel the frustration, the anger, the loss." Kiva stated. "You belong with us."
"You know nothing. But you will learn."
"Join us."
"Been there, done that, bought the T-Shirt, then won a wet T-Shirt competition with it. The dark side is a dead end, emphasis on the word dead. And I guess end too."
"So be it, Jedi."
"The Sith are trash." Maris prepared. "And you know what happens to trash? It gets taken out."

Kiva attacked, and at once the platform fell, hurling them into freefall. Their blades hissed as they connected, Kiva diving past, changing her body shap to control and direct her rate of fall. Maris likewise tried to control the way in which she plummetted, seeking a suitably tall building to land on. One was coming up, and Kiva had also spotted it.
She latched onto an antenna, corkscrewing around it, Kiva mere feet behind, bleeding off speed and dropping to the rooftop, their sabres cracking before they had even recovered from the landing. The coloured blades touched in wide arcs, short sharp spins and cuts, conserving energy and focusing power through a careful conservation of movement. It wasn't much to look at, but it was fast and raw, a style of combat removed from the graceful form and riposte of traditional sabre combat.
"You fight like a brawler." Kiva grunted. "It's a turn on."
"Live here long enough and you pick up a few things." Maris parried. "If you were a guy you'd be looking at your reproductive organs orbiting the planet by now."
"Good old crotch kick, you really need to join my team."
"I don't do losers."
"Not what I saw with the boy toy." Kiva sighed. "So hard to find good men, we girls should stick together."
"Alec has something you don't."
"I can improvise." Kiva winked.
"Really not what i meant." Maris rolled her own eyes. "Something inside, he miht not look it...or sound it, or act it, or think it, or quite possibly know it. But he's a good man. And you, you are just empty, without control of your own fate."
"Wow, real deep. How many philosophers wear leather pants again?" Kiva asked.
"Not many can get away with it." Maris shrugged. "Clings to the thighs, gets sticky."
"Now you're just trying to turn me on aren't ya?" Kiva grinned. "Come on, admit it."

Maris stepped back, taking a more defensive posture.
"Maybe a little, if you weren't evil."
"I'm not evil." Kiva replied. "Just practical, I know what i want, and this is the shortest way to get it."
"And your Sith buddy?"
"Means to an end." Kiva relaxed. "You got nothing to prove anymore, just you and me up here. I can sense you aren't one of them, and if I know it they know it too."
She lowered her sabre.
"You'll never be one of them."
Maris lowered her blades.
"Maybe, but I'll never be one of you either."
"You have no idea who i am." Kiva said. "No one does, not even Dooku. But I could show you, teach you."
"And all I have to do is trust you?" Maris asked. "Trust someone called Darth Fatale?"
"It's just a name." Kiva exhaled. "It isn't your path, they'll never accept you. You're tainted, they don't want you." She smiled. "but I do."
Maris held steady, her face unreadable.
"I have seen where your future leads because it was almost mine."
"I'm no Sith, not like the rest." Kiva said. "You jjust need to trust me."
"And what does that take?"
"Only one thing." Kiva grinned. "A kiss."
"My specialist subject." Maris ghosted a smile. "You do know some pretty neat tricks."
"You haven't even seen the good stuff." Kiva smiled wide. "Its for private viewing only." She leaned forward. "I'l show you that first."
Maris moved closer, her lips parting.
"Ever heard of an Iridonia kiss?"
"How does it go?"
Maris grined, then snapped her head forward, connecting sharply with Kiva, knocking her back a few paces.
"Zoink!"

"Oh nice, that was mature!" Kiva snapped. "I wanted to do this the fun way but noooo, you have to be all wisecracking hero. Iridonian kiss? How do you people breed?"
"You need a man, you wouldn't understand muff magnet."
"Guess its a matter of taste."
"I hear they have mints for after that sort of thing, takes that aftertaste right off the back of your tongue." Maris brought her swords back up. "Come on, you did the whole vamp thing, the appeal to my weakness, you're good at it but its old."
"Alright then, we'll settle this the old way. with violence."
"About time." Maris said, both of them uttering the same phrase at once.
"Bored now."
Maris felt her lip curl. "Oh no you didn't, you did not just steal my catch phrase."
"Hey, I don't see your name on it, I checked and nope, no 'Old Skank' written on it."
"I'm going to carve that into your arse." Maris promised. "You'll find I have exceptional hand writing, all in the wrist."
"Hard to write when you're having your head bange dinto a wall over and over again." Kiva said. "i got up to forty once before my last vitims head dissolved. Here's hoping for a new record."
"They're going to be finding bits of you for weeks." Maris sneered.
"They aren't even going to find bits when I'm done." Kiva returned. "engarde."
There was a suddenroar of engines and gust of wind, a trio of ships rising behind Kiva. Mandalorian Basilisks.
She looked over her shoulder.
"I said later! Can't you see I'm handling this personally?"
"You're Mandalorian buddies arrive before you made the climax?" Maris sighed. "That must be such a frustration for you."
"Screw this." Kiva turned off her sword. "Just kill her, I got things to bone."
The Basilisks clicked as every gun on them armed and pointed at Maris.
"Oh. Fudge."

She considered fighting them, then quickly had a better idea. She ran.
The rooftop dissolve din explosions as the war machines fired, ripping a sheet of flame through the air and gusting past Kiva, tussling her hair.
"Target destroyed." The nearest pilot reported.
"She's not dead." Kiva answered. "And didn't I say wait? I did didn't I? It wasn't some parallel reality where I'm a moron and you're competent? You know, the exact fricking opposite of this one?"
"No Ma'am."
"I should dismember you but I'm all antsy. I need a hooker. Fetch."
She suddenly ducked, an empty can whistling past her head and hitting th pilot beside her with a thud.
"Dammit!" Maris yelled as she whizzed past, standing on top of a freighter. "Next time girly! Fun times ahead!"
"I'm clearing my diary!" Kiva shouted after her. "Just remeber all your friends hate you, and we have great chocolate!"
"And you remember mouthwash! Gargle afterwards, really helps!" Maris advised as her ride whooshed away.
"I hate it when people try to be snappier than me." Kiva exhaled. "She's not sharper than me is she?"
"No Ma'am." Her associate answered very quickly. "Definitely a hack."
"Good." Kiva tilted her head. "Well at least something on this hole of a planet is worth taking time over. Lets get out of here.

[Lord Castellan]

Kothlis
Tal'Cara City




"I sometimes feel as if there is a veil laying over my mind Garek."

"What do you mean Daren?"

"I know not."

"Are you alright?"

"Yes Gailia, im fine. I simply wonder how we got here."

Dza'Tey was sitting in his office with two of his High Councilors. Vrujuun was off planet on Vigil, basing operations from there.

Gailia was curious. "What do you mean 'How we got here'?"

Daren looked at her flatly. "Months ago, we had no aggression with the SSU. And no intention of it. Today our soldiers slaughter each other, fighting the good fight. But how did it all happen? I dont doubt that we should be fighting this war, it just seems as a blur."

The High Councilors were apprehensive. Garek was the first to speak. "Honestly I can know what you mean. But the SSU did attack first. We left Bothan ships at a friendly world for trade, and the SSU came in to assault. Then we defended ourselves, and before attacking back they struck at Bothawui. Coupled with reports of their activities, and I can see why we are where we are quite clearly." Gailia nodded in agreement. Daren turned to her.

"And what do the people think?"

"Much the same." She replied. "They agree with this war, especially due to the fires at Bothawui. I almost wanted to grab a rifle and go to war myself when I had heard."

Garek nodded. "The SAS is war weary, and many of their people say that we are working in conjunction with the UAP to expand and conquer."

"So I heard. Even after us disagreeing with the UAP over Denon. Even with us saying that we will NOT be taking any SSU space after the war. Even after everything still we are blamed."

"The SAS is made mostly of Humans. Their hearts do not burn with the fire of passion, nor compassion. Much less there as they hate it. It is easier to blame your friends than to blame your enemy and find yourself looking down the barrel of a Blaster."

"The Entente is breaking apart. The Imperials are simply having their way with us and we cannot stand."

Gailia was hesitant to speak. "Do we pull out then?"

Daren shook his head. "We cannot. We, already are far too committed. Besides, if we were to retreat now, the SSU would just expand again. Slaughter even more Aliens. No. This is a righteous crusade whether others agree or not."

"Like Mandus." Garek said.

"Funny you should mention him, I have a holo conference scheduled today with that very Human."

The two High Councilors were stunned. "WHAT!? I thought you were going to speak with another of the FRA High Command."

Daren smiled weakly. "It seems not. Siria Mandus wants to speak to me, and he more than has the power to accomplish it."

"May the Force be with you Chief Councilor." Gailia Eto'Yoc said depressed.

"Worry not my friends." Daren said, suddenly cheerful. Even hopeful. "He is not a truly unreasonable man."

They both nodded as they stood.

"Before you go. The Entente is the most important thing to me, and to us, even more than this war. Im going to Naboo for a few days, to speak with the Queen personally. I cant believe how quickly relations soured. I must go. As the High Council, you take over my responsibilities until I return."

They both nodded. "Yes sir Chief Councilor." With that they left the room. Daren was alone for a moment, able to let his thoughts fill his mind. Things were grim, but it would be alright. Everything would turn out as intended. Hope was a powerful emotion, and one Daren clung to even now.

His thoughts were interrupted when a miniaturized outline of a Human in FRA diplomat attire appeared on the table before him. The figure bowed his head politely. "I am Ambassador Siria Mandus of the Northwest Frontier Alliance, at your service."

Daren returned the nod. "Chief Councilor Daren Dza'Tey, Bothan Republic. It is good to meet with you Ambassador. Is all well with the FRA?"

"In a manner of speaking. The Vong hit us hard but we are rebuilding. We stand united even still."

"The herald of your pride shows in the form of assistance against the SSU. We are, of course, most gracious of FRA ships assisting in border control of this monster."

Mandus nodded. "We are doing what we can. After hearing your reports of what the Shulstines are up to, how can we not?"

"It is something that concerns the whole Galaxy, Imperial or Republic, or neither. And im sure our presence in the Galactic North is of note as well?"

"To an extent, as im sure you understand."

"Make no mistake Ambassador. We fight the SSU to break them, and to end Xenocide. But we have neither the funds, ambition, or will to control their territories. It is much as to why I wanted to speak with you today. There must be a plan in place for when the war ends and the SSU is no more. The power vacuum cannot be left open, and no nation standing is capable of moving in to such an area."

"Is that so?"

"After this war, the BR will have it's hands full rebuilding our fleets and housing refugees. The other southern power have even less stake than we do. That leaves a handful of nations. The FRA and SWE themselves still rebuild from the Vong, and I cannot see them undertaking such an endeavor so soon. The Commonwealth is too small to cover it, as is the FUS. The Mandalorians would be incapable of leading such a large empire, much less of putting it back on the right track."

Mandus nodded. It made sense. "I agree on your points, however that exhausts our possibilities."

Daren shook his head. "Save one. If there were a leader out there without a nation, a man with the ability to turn this nation around using the resources already within. To reform the Union under new leadership."

"A leader without a nation? Those hardly come in abundance these days." Mandus said. "Until this knight in armor shows up we may have to look at a mixed protectorate force or the like."

RESULTS:
-BR looks back over how this war began
-Confident to see it through
-Dza'Tey to visit the Queen on Naboo personally to save the Entente
-Dza'Tey speaks with Siria Mandus, suggests what to do with the SSU after it is all over

[Lightning_Count]

Ord Mantell.


"busy day." First Minister Driffyn checked his schedule. "Three high level meetings in the space of a few hours."
"With an emphasis on the SSU question." Deputy Brok noted. "Understandable."
"It's a question now is? The Shulstine question." Driffyn exhaled. "Questions tend to have answers, and I think we'll see few enough here."
"We'll see plenty of answers." Siria Mandus snorted. "Whether they are truthful or not is another matter."
"UAP, Bothans and Mandalorians." Brok mused. "How should we handle it?"
"I'll take the Bothans." Mandus stood. "let me get the measure of their chief, see what he's made of."
"Fair enough." Driffyn allowed. "I better take the UAP delegates, they are the senior branch and they're heading out here in person. Brok, can you pick up the Mandalorians?"
"Not a problem, should be well worth a chat." The Zabrak rose. "I'll get to it."
"Me too." Mandus followed for the door. "Enjoy your tea party First Minister."
"I'm sure I will." Driffyn half smiled. "And Siria, try not to start a war with the Bothans, I was hoping for a quiet weekend this time."
The Ambassador chuckled. "No promises."



Brok made his way to the diplomatic quarter, exchanging pleasantries with workers and staff as he arrived at his private office and reception, there to find Major Neze of the Mandalorian Order waiting for him. A broad and resolute figure Brok had no need to ask if he was the right appointment, even without being forewarned Brok would have guessed this man was of Mandalorian stock.
"Welcome Major." The Zabrak shook hands. "I'm Deputy First Minister Karin Brok, Second Minister if you wish. I trust your journey here was pleasant."
"Pleasant enough." Neze nodded, taking a seat Brok offered him. "Though we had to stay clear of the SSU border adding some delay to the passage."
"The war has thrown shipping into disarray, a couple of major lanes pass through SSU space and are currently unusable, its playing havoc with our convoys, backing up delays, forcing us to send them on long detours."
"Must be costing a fortune."
Brok nodded. "It is, and worse, our northern worlds haven't recovered from the war yet and aren't self sufficient. These delays have forced us to ration essential goods, it is more than an inconvenience Major, it is having a very real impact on people's life."
"That is in part why I am here Second Minister." Neze began. "We have noticed with concern that the galaxy is in turmoil. For a while things were pretty stable, but then the Vong arrived and it seems they kicked the legs out from under everyone."
"Certainly made life more interesting." Brok agreed. "At one time the great powers were unchallengable, and in a way it kept the peace, we all minded each others spheres of influence, traded, sometimes argued but mostly we worked together. We don't have that anymore Major, our power is heavily weakened and like a wounded Kraken bleeding in the water you can see the Razor Sharks starting to swim closer."

"You're thinking the Entente?" Neze wondered. "That they won't let go of the SSU if they win?"
"It's a concern. The Bothans say they will retire but that creates its own problems, that is, of course, assuming they aren't lying." Brok shrugged. "I worked with Bothans in the rebellion, they know they're stuff, but they also aren't above lying. Incessantly."
"You could force them out?"
"Not without a major war, one requiring the activation of the Imperial Blade clause, that is the call for full scale military aid from the Union. Such an act would almost certainly start a galactic war of massive scale, which we don't want."
"So you have to stop them early, before they become entrenched?"
"It is our worst case scenario yes, a counter invasion to drive out the Bothans and fill the power vacuum before pirates and slavers take over."
"So the SSu becomes either an Entente power, or a failed pirate state."
"Or remains the same if they win." Brok offered. "Either way we're stood in a hornets nest, our border worlds are lightly defended in that sector, most of our strength went north to fend off Vong attacks, we weren't expecting anything from the SSU."
"i sympathise Minister, we are also close to this anarchy, if the SSU falls it will affect us too." Neze stated. "We're in the same position, and I thing our interests are also the same. Neither of us wants an unstable or unpredictable nation within striking range."

Neze tapped his fingers on the arm rest as he gathered his thoughts.
"Its a tough scenario, the Entente is localised away from us, on the far side of the core. We aren't part of them, nor do we particularly agree with their policies, but if things went hostile their distance was an advantage to our defence."
"But now they could end up with a major bulwark right in our midst, letting them strike you, us, the SWE northern border and the Pentastar Alignment. if there ever was an Imperial/Entente war the SSU would be a perfect base of operations. Large, well fortified, and very close." Brok nodded. "It is a concern for us, and why we are taking action."
"Then Minister I would like to offer you the support of the Mandalore." Neze said. "I have a sealed treaty from Janus Ordo's own hand requesting an alliance."
"I've heard a lot about the new Mandalore." Brok said. "Mostly through SWE channels, I understand he has direct dealings with them?"
"He does, and he wishes to extend that friendship here too." Neze replied. "We Mandalorians appreciate fine warriors, friends or enemies, it doesn't matter. We respect brave and noble warriors, and as such we hold this nation in high regard. Many of my people fought here, my own aide battled here on Ord Mantell itself. In war a nation's true character is revealed, and after seeing it the Mandalore extends his respect and friendship to the Frontier."
"Then it is my honour to accept it." Brok took the letter. "I will have to present it to the government for a vote of course, but I expect that is more a formality at this point."
"I will stay close by and await the signing." Neze said.
"There is an apartment block for you and your staff Major, my aide will show you." Brok said. "You may also wish to visit the Reif Devan museum, named for our past leader. It houses his private collection of historic starfighters among other things, the finest in the galaxy."
"A fine way to honour the fallen." Neze inclined his head. "Until later Second Minister."
"Enjoy your stay Major, with luck the first of many."




Half a city away the First Minister rose to greet his own guests, the three delegates from the UAP, each entering his reception hall and shaking hands.
"Welcome to my new office." Driffyn gestured for them to sit. "Much nicer than my old one, the Vong did me a small favour by incinerating it."
"One way to look at it." General Rieekan parted a thin smile.
"Call it a silver lining." Driffyn sat behind his desk. "Now Representatives, I can guess the cause of your mission, but I am interested in your views first."
"Not a whole lot to it Minister." Rieekan spoke gruffly, an old warrior his voice was gravelly from calling orders and breathing the ash of countless battlefields. "We see the SSU, we see a problem in them, and we see a solution to that problem. Smash their power and change their leadership to one more suitable. The Bothans are doing this right now, so why try and impede them?"
"Moddell has expressed similar concerns." Driffyn nodded. "As my Ambassador to the SAS put it himself, do you trust the Bothans?"
"I trust their government." Rieekan stated. "They will pull out, at this point there's way too much pressure on them to do anything else."
"It's not a secret to say the Entente is bending under this situation." Kelly Ristokov added. "The Bothans did act unilaterally and both my nation and others would have preferred more consultation and options first, but they have a right to defend themselves. They were attacked and fought back, the same as any one of us would."
"The problem arises Ambassador not in how the war started, but why." Driffyn replied. "the Bothans had no business setting themselves up as close to the SSu as they did. The courting of the Vigil government could easily be seen as provocative to a nation as paranoid as the SSU, a prelude to attack by an expansionist power with an agenda. It may simply be Ambassador, that the SSu decided its only recourse was a pre-emptive strike."
"Does that in any way justify the SSU's actions? The camps and persecution?"
"Not at all Ambassador, but what it does do is offer a reason why this war began, and shows that if the Bothans had not been expanding their influence far beyond their reach we would have peace right now, and could be talking about trade and expanded diplomatic ties."
"It might not be the right reason First Minister." Rieekan pointed out.
"It might not be, but the SSU has been quiet for months, only to act at the very moment the Bothans seize this world on their border? I do not believe in coincidences General, but I do believe in cause and effect."

"Even if that is true, and we would have had peace, what about the camps?" Kelly continued. "However it started, and however contradictory this sounds, this war is doing good. It is a just cause."
"Liberating the camps is just, but that is not the only reason for this war. There are others, there is an agenda, and I do not believ eit is just at all." Driffyn said. "People have designs on the SSU, there is a larger game at play here, and that is why my government is attempting to de-militarise the conflict zone."
"That's why your ships are sealing the borders then?"
"Ours and the SWE, yes." Driffyn nodded. "Our aim is to prevent ships leaving, or sneaking in. we are leaving the main hyper lanes open of course, but also watching them. The only ships we are willing to allow through are those carrying aid to civilian centres, and their escorts."
"Is that what the Imperium are doing?" Rieekan asked. "Guarding aid?"
"That is the plan, and also what the SAS contingent from Doldur will do." Driffyn nodded. "They will guard the aid fleets and protect one or two forward stations, joint stations I might add, a mix of Imperium and SAS personnel. From there they will drop food and medical supplies to worlds under Bothan attack. Naturally given the circumstances those convoys are heavily armed, both the Imperium and Doldur are sending powerful escort fleets, and we will also be sending Star destroyers."
"That's a lot of Imperial firepower." Rieekan said.
"There's a lot of danger." Driffyn returned. "Though even our combined forces are tiny compared to the Entente fleets int he area, mainly Bothan of course. The Frontier has no desire to seize worlds, and nor does the Imperium. We are sending ships but no heavy ground forces, just guards for the aide camps and fixed weapons, no armour or air support. As you know General, it would be impossible to take a world with just foot soldiers."
"True, but it still divides opinion, the Entente does all the killing while the Empire hands out food and toys to refugees."
"I don't think anyone would mind if the other nations stepped up aid missions either." Driffyn said. "I understand Moddell is planning to act, the SAS seems keen, if the UAP was to send aid too you could work to try and fix some of the problems your furry friends have caused."
"We share your worries about the SSU becoming a pirate state." Rieekan spoke. "As a General i can tell you there will need to be some sort of occupation, at least until the SSU gets back on its feet."
"Probably, but given the situation and the highly politicised nature I'd recommend a neutral faction."

"My government does believe this could have gone better." Kelly continued. "But we're here now, we can't turn back time so we have to make the best of this, deal with the aftermath and learn from it."
"I agree." Driffyn nodded. "We don't want any external power holding influence over the SSU, it is absolutely imperitive the SSU chooses their own leader after the war in free elections. I trust we can agree to this."
"I think that won't be a problem." Kelly nodded. "And to a force of mixed peace keepers until that happens."
"Ideally we should have had all this in place first and avoided a rather nasty predicament." Driffyn winced. "I'd also have prefered a more subtle means of regime change."
"A sniper bullet instead of a battle fleet?" Rieekan exhaled. "Too late now though."
"Far too late." Driffyn agreed. "In any case delegates, this war is not an Entente war, it is a Bothan war, and to that end we must stress in the strongest terms possible that the Entente should not become directly involved, not in the SSu and not in Bothan space."
"The Bothans are members First Minister, we have a duty to help them."
"Help, yes, fight, no." Driffyn said. "The Bothans made this choice, they must accept and live with its consequences. Give them aid, trade with them, send them spare parts and new ships, but you cannot fight for them. You cannot send ships into SSU space, or defend the Bothan border. The Bothans did this without Entente backing, scrabbling for your help only when they saw their error. This is a Bothan war, not yours, let them stand alone, they have more than enough ships to handle the SSU. Any direct Entente military support, offensive or defensive, would seriously degrade Imperial relations, which given our current negotiations at Sluis Van and Denon would be most unfortunate."
"You want us to let them stand alone?"
"Not alone General. Just let them fight alone. I recommend the only non Bothan warships in their space be asigned to protect your convoys, and nothing more. Same as the SSU."
"It goes against the concept of our alliances to abandont hem Minister."
"As I'm sure triggering a war with a non hostile power also goes against treaty, and yet..." Driffyn shrugged. "Protect yourselves, help the innocent, but nothing more. Both sides in this war are at fault, don't taint yourselves by joining in on this quagmire. If you can rise above this disaster, take a moral stand, it will help restore the reputation of the Entente and likely make the UAP position on Denon much stronger."
"How much stronger?"
"Use your influence with the other Entente leaders to keep this war purely Bothan and the Frontier will not oppose a UAP policy towards Denon. we will abstain from any vote on the planet's future, which will greatly strengthen your governments position in negotiations. Help us with our concerns, and we will help you with yours, and in so doing you will help boost the reputation of the Entente and pick its name out of the mud. If you choose that is."


Actions-

FRA opens formal ties with the Mandalorians.
Treaty of friendship to be signed.

FRA meets with UAP officials
Proposes widening the aid convoys to the liberated SSU worlds to all nations. Nations can deploy warships to protect their convoys and to help protect an international aid base on each planet.
Defensive infantry can also be deployed to protect the bases. Bases will be multinational aid stations only, jointly run.

FRA also open to multi party talks on the post war SSU peace keeping force.

FRA strongly requests the UAP veto any military aid to the Bothans, offensive or defensive, in order to keep the war a Bothan/SSu conflict, with no Entente involvement. In return the Frontier will not oppose UAP plans for Denon.

[Herald]

Zonama Sekot
"Are you sure about this?" asked Irena.

The representation of Sekot simply nodded as they watched the sky. In the distance, a coming shape began to form. Its form dark and organic in appearance unlike many of the ships of the galaxy. It was a sight that a few years ago would have been completely unknown but Irena had seen it a hundred times along with countless others. The dropship of the Yuuzhan Vong began to drop to the surface of Zonama Sekot.

The ship slowed down due to the mastery of gravity its dovin basals possessed and landed softly on the grass land. Tension was in the air amongst the assembled individuals waiting for the ships occupants. Two Yuuzhan Vong stood, Nen Yim and the Harrar who decided that Yu'Shaa not attend the meeting in order to allow it to... proceed without any problems. Also in attendance were Irena, Jacen and Jorallen in addition to the representation of Sekot.

They waited as the organic extension protruded from the hull of the ship whereupon a number of Yuuzhan Vong came out. Included amongst their number was a fearsome warrior who most knew was the Warmaster and by his side stood a diminutive creature - a Kushiban that seemed to be more of a pet than ambassador.

"Master Ikrit!" said Jorallen in surprise.

As the Yuuzhan Vong from the ship settled by its entrance, the Kushiban moved forward to meet the Sekotan delegation.

"It is good to see you again Jorallen." Ikrit said with a small smile. "It seems that the Force was with you... and that you did manage to find a way for peace."
"Yes master."
“Now we must ensure that this comes to pass.”
“And what of the others Master?”
“Tahiri and Danni are in orbit around Ithor...”
"What about Aleema?

Ikrit simply sighed. "I am afraid... that the darkness in her heart may have finally consumed her. I have heard that she had departed our base and her wherebaouts are unknown."

Jorallen kept silent. The Yuuzhan Vong War had taken a lot from the galaxy and now its aftermath has quite possibly claimed another. Movement came from the Yuuzhan Vong side as Nas Choka moved to meet the Priest Harrar and the High Master Shaper, Nen Yim. Suspicious glares were cast from the Warmaster as he saw the two.

"What are you doing here Harrar? And you High Master Shaper Yim?" He could see the robed figures worn typically by Jeedai who stood nearby the two Yuuzhan Vong. “And you have Jeedai amongst your ranks...”

Nen Yim was about to speak but Harrar lifted his hand as a signal to hold what she was about to say. “All that needs to be known Warmaster is that we had come to seek a threat to our people.”

“You speak out of turn Priest. You should remember your place.”
“Apologies Warmaster... but I speak only the truth. High Master Shaper Yim and I had travelled to this world... to this LIVING world to uncover a threat to our people. But we discovered that the threat did not lie on this world... but within our people.”
“Of what do you speak of?” he narrowed his eyes.

Silence filled the Yuuzhan Vong delegation.
“This war has been for naught Warmaster.” Harrar finally said.
"Lies!"
"Blasphemy"

Came angry shouts from the warriors amongst Nas Choka's retinue. The warriors had always been the most devout to the gods. They are the ones who sought to sate the Yun’O’s desire for sacrifice. Now it seemed that it was for nothing.

“I speak the truth...” Harrar turned his face to Nen Yim, now ready to reveal the truth.
Hesitation filled her being but Nen Yim finally spoke. "This world... is a seed on Yuuzhan'tar Warmaster..."

“What?!” the Warmaster said.
“This planet... is the offspring of distant Yuuzhan’tar Warmaster... in the before-time, our people betrayed our true god... and destroyed it. For our actions, we were punished and became what we are now... but in that tragedy, Yuuzhan’tar provided us the means of seeking redemption.”

It was unbelievable. These last few months have been one shock after another. The death of the Supreme Overlord and thus the loss of their conduit to the Yun'O. It seemed that the holy war was pointless as they had failed in the eyes of the gods and it was the reason why he championed this peace initiative. Than came the betrayal where thousands of Yuuzhan Vong had lost their lives without honour in a treachorous infidel attack. He was certain that the infidels were hiding those that perpetrated that vile act. He swore to to Yun-Yammka that he would find them and their blood would allow the dead to finally rest in the lands of the dead.

But now... this was beyond the previous acts. Now... everything he knew was a lie.
“Warmaster... may I present, the will of this planet... this child of Yuuzhan’tar... Sekot.” He gestured to a woman that had accompanied them.

“I must confess... that I too am... somewhat surprised by this turn of events. Yet... when the Shaper had access my... memories through her biot, I could see the ancient strands of DNA that separated our two pasts. They parted and I became truly aware of my history. Your history.”

"We must return to the Yuuzhan Vong Empire... we must expose the lies that have chained us in this destructive cycle for ages." Harrar finally said.
Nas Choka kept silent for a moment. “Very well... my ship, however, has been damaged and the journey to the throneworld will take some time.”
Sekot smiled “That will not be necessary. I shall accompany you to this world and heal the rift that was caused thousands of years ago.”

Moments later, the living world of Zonama Sekot plotted a hyperspace jump and left the Ithor system.

Summary:
*Warmaster Nas Choka and his retinue discover the shocking truth of Zonama Sekot
*Zonama Sekot enters hyperspace and heading for the Yuuzhan Vong throneworld

[Coyote]

Galaxy Today Studio
Theed, Naboo




"Good evening, ladies and gentlebeings, welcome to Galaxy Today; I am your hostess, Seela Kimthrel, and tonight we look at the spreading movement for social change sweeping the Sovereign Alliance in these dramatic, post-war days. A special guest tonight will be Senior Apprentice Legislator Ranya Saviya, an up-and-coming political leader in the Apprentice Legislature."

The holocamera revealed a pleasant-looking woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and a conservative business suit that still managed to hint at her cleavage. Seela Kimthrel was one of the Sovereign Alliance's most well-known and veteran reporters, having gaine dher fame originally during the early years of the Raidaa Administration.

"First up tonight on Galaxy Today's Indepth Report is the situation in the SSU. The situation there continues to deteriorate, but the real question on everyone's mind remains, 'what is this all about, and what happened'?

"The Shulstine Star Union was a minor pro-Imperial faction that formed in the last days prior to the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion. While rumored to be headed by a mysterious Dark Jedi who mysteriously disappeared decades ago, the connection was never anything more than rumor." A blurry picture of A'Sharad Hett was displayed, without any name attached to it.

"For reasons unknown, the Yuuzhan Vong aliens largely ignored the Shulstines in their tidal wave of xenocide. It was thought that the Yuuzhan Vong were ignoring smaller powers to focus their efforts on eliminating larger, potentially challenging factions, such as those of the Imperials.

"However, as the Yuuzhan Vong war waned, something happened in the Shulstine Star Union. The previously unknown, and largely believed to be the ceremonial Empress, Arika Rand, emerged as the leader of the SSU-- as well as the leader of a particularly bloodthirsty, anti-alien cult that makes Emperor Palpatine's New Order seem tame by comparison." Images appeared of Emperor Palpatine and Arika Rand side by side, with the image of the Palpatine shrinking as the image of Rand expanded until only her image remained.

"Under Palpatine's rule, non-humans were mostly disenfranchised and seen as a pool of labor. Under the leadership of Empress Rand, however, non-humans are seen as vermin to be exterminated, or as some rumors insist, to be consumed as a food source, like game animals." She paused to let that sink in, then turned to face a new holocamera from a different direction.

"Empress Rand's actions are as startling as they are bloody; until these events began to surface no one had any notion that the Shulstine leadership or people were any different than any other faction. The sudden glut of bloodletting is mysterious in its origins, but one thing is for certain-- Shulstine society has descended into a monsterous entity. So what is being done about it?" Again, the image shifted, to one of Bothan ships engaged in vicious, pitched battle with SSU vessels.

"The Bothan Republic claims that their ships were attacked while on a peaceful mission to an unaligned trade world in the vicinity of the SSU; they have been engaged in battle with the Shulstines since then. And therein lies the latest controversy.

"Events in the last few weeks have been chaotic. With me now is one of the Alliance's young leaders, Ranya Radhwa Saviya, Senior Apprentice Legislator and Deputy Representative from Tatooine." The holoimage panned back to reveal a dark-skinned girl of nine, dressed in regal clothing, and sitting attentively in the chair at the side of Seela Kimthrel's desk.

"Good evening, Representative Saviya."
"Good evening, Ms. Kimthrel." The girl was composed and calm, unruffled by the holocameras. In truth, holo studios were arrayed with hundreds of small cameras arrayed throughout the room, to maximize the effect, and so by their nature the cameras were essentially part of the scenery, and easy to ignore. It made guests much mor erelaxed.

"Representative Saviya, you've been following these events since they began, am I right?"
"Yes, ma'am, the entire Legislature in the Royal Court has been quite attentive to this and other issues in the Galaxy."

"What do you see as the role for the new Entente in this?" the reporter asked.
Ranya was alert and it was easy to see that her mind was dissecting everything the reporter said. "Well, it should be remembered that the Entente Charter was a document that Her Majesty the Queen had a great deal of influence on. It has been noted that there is little in the Charter that addresses mutual defense. That is because it was originally seen as an agreement to tighten up cooperation among the Mutual Defense Pact."

"So, it is intended to be an internal agreement?"
"It's primary focus was to address domestic concerns. For external defensive measures, the Pact was and is still sufficient."
"So, what was the intent of the Entente, then?" Seela asked.

"Well, that's a completely different topic that will go into what the Entente is, when the real tragedy here is the SSU," Ranya said, grabbing the subject firmly by the nose and leading it to center stage. Seela flicked an eyebrow up in admiration tinged with irritation, hoping to draw out a bit of discussion about the Entente's inner troubles.

"So, what about the Shulstine tragedy, then?" Seela asked, making a mental note not to underestimate the girl.
"The tragedy is on many levels," Ranya said, "First is the Shulstines going into xenophobic frenzy. Second, we have the Bothans getting attacked and, due to some misunderstandings, it is difficult to come to their aid."

"Why is it difficult to come to their aid?" Seela asked.
"Some perceive that the Bothans provoked the Shulstines; or that if we rush to help them we'd be helping Bothan imperialism."
"But you think we should help them," Seela led.
"I do, because the cause is just."
"And the diplomatic repercussions?" Seela asked.
Ranya shrugged, "Damage has already been done," she said, "If we do nothing, now, we would allow things to spiral out of control."

"So you think we can help, and should?" Seela asked, "And that charges of Bothan imperialism are groundless?"
"That's three questions," Ranya said with a smile, "I think we can help. In a way, we're lucky-- we can help the Bothans guard their home front while our Doldur Sector forces mobilize to help with Frontier approval."
"So we should help?"
"Yes, and we can do it in a way that does not draw us into an open-ended war."
"And the Bothans?" Seela asked. "What of their part in this?"

"The idea that this was a 'Bothan plot' is hard to believe," Ranya said earnestly. "The Bothans wouldn't gain much by taking over the SSU... if any nation wanted to expand, they'd be far smarter to do it close to their borders. I don't think we should take the idea of a 'Bothan plot' too seriously because, without evidence, I think it is a waste of time."
Seela Kimthrel was looking surprised. She was not expecting Ranya Saviya to be so articulate, Apprentice Legislator or not. "So," the reporter said, "If the SSU situation is a just cause, why not commit to total war?"

Ranya was nonplussed by the question. "If we went to fight for every just cause out there, we would be in an endless cycle of war that would make 'civilisation' a pointless, hollow word. There is always heartbreak in the universe; there's no shortage of pain and suffering. In the SSU, humans slaughter aliens; in Hutt Space, aliens have enslaved and murdered humans and others for centuries. Some people want to blame humans in general, which is no different than the Palpatine Empire's policy of blaming non-humans. People need to think before they fight, or pick fights with irresponsible words."

"Well," Seela said, completely off her balance now. She absently rapped her knuckles against the desk. "Apprentice Legislator Ranya Saviya, ladies and gentlebeings. After this brief commercial break, we'll be back." The holo cut to a series of commercials for new speeders, a popular brand of minty body shampoo for Wookiees and Bothans alike, and a service for having fresh cuts of the finest bantha and barve steaks sent to people's homes kept fresh in carbon freezing. Ranya sat regally on the chair, her short legs not touching the floor, as she looked around absently, her face expressionless and patient.

Seela Kimthrel reintroduced them, and the young politician smiled.

"Now, Represntative Saviya, I understand you're interested in running for higher office, yes?"
"Eventually," the young girl said, "I've discussed my long-term goals with friends and family, and hired a campaign manager; all of whom are very supportive."

"I imagine," Seela said, "And you'd like to run for Queen someday?"
"If the people like my ideas, I'll run for Queen," she responded.
"What ideas are those?" the reporter asked.
Ranya smiled. "I support the notion of an inter-governmental forum for representatives to meet and discuss situations before they devolve into shooting," she said plainly.
"Like a Republic Senate?" Seela asked.

"No," Ranya said, "I think we should make every effort to include the Imperials in the decision making process. It would just have to be some sort of cooperation council or something neutral."
"Would the Seperatists be invited?" Seela asked.
"Ideally so," Ranya said, "If any group feels left out, they could see it as a threat against them."

"You're careful to think of how actions are perceived as much as what those actions mean, aren't you?" Seela asked.
"It's very important to remember that others cannot see your motives," Ranya pointed out, "And, when they see your actions, they will interpret them through their own experiences. If someone has been hit as a child, then they'd see anyone raising their hand as an uncomfortable gesture, even if that hand is being raised innocently."

"Indeed," Seela said. "How about you as a person? I understand you've written music?"
"I love music," Ranya said with an eager smile, almost revealing an actual little girl under her calm demeanor. "It is so precise. I'm good at math, music and puzzles, but I like music the best."

"You've written some music, I understand?"
"Some for the piano, yes," Ranya said. "It's not finished. I... I get going and I can't bring myself to wrap it up," she admitted. It was her first falter of the interview, and it made Seela more relaxed. Ranya Saviya was a child prodigy, she'd known that going into the interview, but it was still unsettling to have such an articulate conversation with someone so young. Seela pressed her momentary advantage.

"So what else do you like?" she asked. "Something fun that you do?"
"I like ice cream," Ranya admitted.
"What are your favorite flavors?" Seela asked, sensing she had the girl's guard down.
"Cookie dough... chocolate... mint chocolate... and bubblegum." Ranya said with a grin.
"Never could get into bubblegum," Seela said. "How about boyfriends?" she asked with a smile.

"I'm not allowed to see boys until I'm a little older," Ranya said, blushing slightly.
"You know, if you run for Queen, I think I'll vote for you," Seela said, "You'd be our first leader who is not from Naboo, what do you think of that?"

"I think it's time leadership in the SAS was opened up for any citizen," Ranya said.
Very interesting, Seela thought. "Thank you, Ranya, very enlightening. Tomorrow on 'Galaxy Today', we look at how the economy is effecting two different segments of society. As Darglum, Nelvaan and Hosk thrive under massive government spending programs, Ryloth, Chommel Minor and Ando suffer 14% unemployment in the postwar economy. Thank you, and goodnight."





Results:
Galaxy Today interview reveals some insight into internal SAS politics.
Ranya Radhwa Saviya talks about helping the Bothans in a way that won't confront the Imperials.
Declines to get into a debate about the Entente's purpose.
Reveals a desire for a multi-national "cooperation council" to diffuse future wars.
Incredibly articulate (almost spooky) for one so young.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Theed Palace, Naboo




"What do you think, Majesty?" Director Bavan asked as his daughter the Queen stood on the balcony, puffing away on her thin cigarelle. They'd just turned off the holoprojector.
"That kid's going to do well," she said. "I almost wish she'd run this year. I wouldn't mind tossing this all off on her."

"You don't mean it," he said.
"Try me, dad," she said, letting the facade of professionalism slip. "Daren Dza'Tey is coming to discuss things with me. I really just want to come to an agreement on what he needs to help secure his borders and leave it at that."

"I can... come up with a reason to cancel the meeting," the Director said.
"No," she said, "I've done plenty to alienate the Bothans," she said. "I'm going to stop digging."

"Well," he replied, "Chief Bast told me that there are rumors of back-channel negotiations over Denon. There might be a breakthrough."
"Yay," she said sarcastically. "There's supposed to be some big breathrough with the Vong at Ithor; there's a breakthrough looming any day now on Sluis Van; there's agreements with the Frontier over the Doldur Sector fleet and there's a new era of cooperation witht he Imperium over the SSU." She turned and waved towards the holoprojector.

"Why don't we see any of that on the damn news, humm?" she asked. "We're building a new Ithorian colony. We're forging a powerful new alliance... well, half the people think that's a 'tool of imperialism' or some damnfool thing, so maybe we better not talk about that." She dug in her robes and pulled out her packet of cigarelles, pinching one in her fingers and pulling it to her lips, where she realized she already had one. Looking sheepish, she put the fresh one back and took a long drag on the one she had.

"Look at me," she muttered, "Gods, I know why Noora hated this job so much."
"It about drove her crazy," Direcotr Bavan said. "I think it contributed to Hadiss cracking."
"I couldn't tell the difference," she said.

"Have you heard from Noora?" the Director asked.
"No," she said, her voice quiet as she flicked ashes out into the air. "Not since we had our... pointed discussion."
"You wouldn't go into the Imperium to extract Tavion by force," Director Bavan said, "Now we're cooperating with them on the SSU."

"She would not like that turn of events," the Queen said.
"Maybe," the Director said. "Maybe she's had time to cool down a bit, too."
"I dunno, dad, she's changed," the Queen said. "Changed a lot. I almost don't recognise her any more. Not sure I like what I see, either."

"She had good reason to be bitter," he said.
"So do I," the Queen said, "I'm not being a bitch to my friends about it."

Director Bavan stayed silent.
"Hah," the Queen said. "You think I am."
"You've been on edge lately," he said plainly. "I'm worried about you."

Queen Chantal Apailana sighed, and slumped her shoulders. "Thank you," she said. "It's just aggravating. I got this job under questionable circumstances; after the Jedi drove Hadiss out in what was essentially a coup. I wasn't sure I wanted it but I took it to continue Noora's work and to take care of the people. I do the best I can and all I get are second-guessed by people who have nothing on the line."

"Chantal," he said warmly, "You've done your job. Why not call for an election?"
"What?" she asked.
"Go ahead and call for an election," he said. "Let Ranya win. You said yourself she'd practically walk into the position."
"She's not ready," the Queen said.

"Well, I think she'd finally be the youngest Queen we've had," he said, "But if you're serious, then let her win."

Chantal Apailana thought about it, and the shadows of the room grew long in the silence of her meditation.

"No," she said, "I won't. Like it or not, I'm still carrying on Noora's good works, and..." she shook her head in sorrow, "For the love of the gods, I could not seriously put a little girl in this. Prodigy or not; she needs to grow a bit more before taking this on. Hopefully she'll change her mind and go play with dolls while there's still time."




Results:
Queen Apailana grouses about job, but sticks with it.
***

[Corp]

Anoat

Never before has the system of Anoat seen so many ships. Thousands of them filled the skies, everything from shuttles to freighters to Star Destroyers. However the gathering of these ships was no boon to the system. They were not part of a massive military protection force or a grand trade caravan. For the Federation had been invaded by an enemy that had proven themselves to be more ruthless than the Ssi-ruuk. They had attacked the Ison system and had swept it clean. They had struck Hoth and spent the last two week finding the destroying all of the mining outposts in the system. There had been no demands and all offers of surrender had been ignored. It appeared that their only care was to kill people. They were now raiding nearby systems and it was feared that Anoat would be their next major target. A call had gone out for ships to help evacuate the system and thousands had answered, packing their holds with panicky people and taking them to the safety of other systems. Everyone prayed that they would be able to complete the evacuation before the monstrous fleet fell upon the system.

Overseeing the evacuation was Rear Admiral Tolon, who was perhaps the oldest active officer in the Federation navy. Once a front line captain she had spent the last several years behind a desk. However when she had heard about this new invasion she had decided to take personal command in the Anoat system, believing her experience made her best suited for the job. Her meeting with Major Hagen, an engineer who had escaped from Hoth only confirmed this. “So a fleet of droids it is? No living commanders that we know of?”

“We compared scans from ships that managed to escape Ison and Hoth and none were able to pick up any life signs. There’s a chance that someone is directing the droids but all reports point to an all droid fleet.” After escaping Hoth the Major had decided to attach himself to the next Federation fleet he ran into in the hopes of offering some kind of aid. Now he was starting to wonder if that had been the best idea.

“Droids leading droid,” Tolon said with contempt. “If they show themselves I’ll give them a good thrashing.”

“With due respect Admiral they vastly outnumber your fleet,” Hagen pointed out. “Besides they were able to take both Ison and Hoth in a matter of hours.”

Tolon waved the comment aside as if shooing away and annoying insect. “Both systems were caught by surprise, not knowing what to expect. We on the other hand will be waiting for them, knowing full well what the enemy brings. Major you are an engineer and so know little about real combat. I however have a career that stretches back to the Clone Wars, no matter how hard the Imperials tried to keep me down. I’ve fought droid fleets and armies many times before and I can tell you their weaknesses far outweigh their strengths. They have no adaptability, no creativity, no cunning, and no intelligence. During the Clone Wars they would happily march into our guns and when presented with something out of place they would actually stop and debate about what it meant. The only thing they have is numbers and without and actual living being leading them I very much doubt they will use that effectively. No, we have little to fear on this mission. We will fulfill our vow to hold this system until the evacuation is completed.

“How is that coming along Commodore Lorxz?” Tolon asked, turning to the holo of a weary looking Gran.

“As well as expect,” the Commodore answered. “Thanks to aid from the Ugnaught community on Bespin the evacuation of Gentes is more or less complete. Deyer is coming along well enough and should be finished in a couple of days. Naturally there are holdouts on both worlds but as per your orders we’re leaving them be for the time being. The real problem has been with Anoat though. Ever since it was terraformed it’s had a population explosion. We’re going to need at least another week before we can come close to getting everyone off. However from the reports we’ve been getting I’m not sure we’ll have the time. With due respect Ma’am I think it’s time to start mining the system.”

Turning from the holo Tolon walked to look out the viewpoint. In her mind’s eye she saw the half dozen mine layers that waited near the edge of the system. The plan was to ensure that any ship coming from Hoth would find themselves in the middle of a massive mine field, however Tolon had not yet done so. She told herself that she was waiting to see if more survivors made it from enemy territory, brining valuable information with them. However it had been days since the last ship had made it through and though the minelayers stood ready the order had still not gone out. “Mr Oraellerwic are we still getting those signals at the edge of the system?

“Yes Ma’am,” come the answer. It was believed that for the past week some kind of scout or probe droid had been watching events unfold in the system. Given its range and lack of hostile intent it had been ignored.

“Very well if we do not have time we shall make it ourselves,” Admiral Tolon declared. “Commodore Lorxz put together a small force and form up on my flag. We shall go out and destroy that droid that has been spying on us. Once the enemy learn of its destruction they will be thrown into confusion. In the end I predict they will send in another droid to begin anew their spying efforts.”

Major Hagen and Commodore Lorxz exchanged looks. Both knew it was a foolish order, that the best course of action was to mine the system and be done with it, but neither of them were in any position to object. So a dozen support ships were selected and along with Lorxz’s frigate they formed up on the Rear Admiral’s Star Destroyer and micro-jumped to the edge of the system. There they fought what appeared to be a modified fighter that quickly went active and began to run. Tolon ordered Lorxz to make his ships forward and destroy the fighter while her ship stayed back in support. The gunships spread out and after a while were able to box the droid fighter in and destroy it. It appeared to be a successful, if wasteful, operation. Naturally nothing was as it seemed.

In the middle of the Federation formation appeared two frigates and a dozen corvettes, which immediately engaged the Federation ships. Spread out and unable to support each other the situation was grave for the Federation patrol, but it could be easily turned around by the intervention of the Star Destroyer, which would easily turn defeat into a quick victory. However the Star Destroyer didn’t come to the other ships aid. It stayed where it was, watching as the other ships get hammered to pieces. The captain of the flagship begged Admiral Tolon to allow her to enter the fight.

“No…no that was too perfect. It’s a trap. Yes it’s a trap and I will not be captured in it. Jump us back to the inner system!” Tolon ordered. The crew around her were floored and some of the officers tried to protest. However the Admiral refused to listen and again gave the order to withdraw. Under direct orders the massive ship slowly turned and jumped away. Commodore Lorxz and his ships would need to fight their own way to safety. However Tolon’s next order would make that next to impossible.

“This is Admiral Tolon to all minelayer ships: begin building the field immediately!”

“You can’t so that Admiral, you’ll cut off all means of escape for the Commodore and his ships,” Major Hagen said.

“Well the Commodore should have thought about that before spreading his command out like that,” was the reply.

Hagen couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Blame was being place on a man who was still trying to fight his way out of a trap. The Federation ships did their best, focusing their fire on one target at a time to try and do the most damage as possible, but they were hemmed in and too closely engaged to withdraw. One by one their signals disappeared from the screens. They died and the Admiral did nothing to help them, had not even watched being focused on building the minefield. There was complete silence on the bridge and Hagen could sense a change in the crew’s mood. They were angry about being focused to watch their comrades die and this put them on edge. No doubt the same could be said for the rest of the military personnel in the system. Not something you wanted right before a possible right.

Before long the Commodore’s task force had been wiped out and the droids seemed to be debating on what to do next. They had been badly hurt in the battle and it wouldn’t take much to wipe them out. However the minefield was finally going up and if their fleet was going to launch an attack soon it would cause them a lot of problems. So the question was would they droid ships try to engage the mine layers in the hopes of destroying them before they themselves were destroyed or would they return to Hoth and work to figure out another approach that would allow them to avoid the minefield all together? After twenty minutes it appeared that they were going to try and make an attack on the minelayers when the decision was taken away from them by the arrival of their main fleet.

With a flash thousands of enemy ships poured from hyperspace and began to launch fighters. Part of Hagen’s mind told him that the droids must have left Hoth hours ago, believing that the minefield had not yet been started. They fleet had been in a very tight formation and a dozen ships slammed into the newly deployed mines, the blasts shattering hull armour and ripping holes in the ship’s hull. The minelayers themselves now found themselves surrounded by enemy ships and in an effort to aid their escape they dumped their cargo, sending mines floating off in every direction. The minelayers were quickly blasted out of the sky but they had sold their lives dearly as the dozens of mines wreaked havoc on the droid fleet. Precision fire began destroying the mines but extensive damage had been done. And here was a golden opportunity for the Federation. Though the majority of the droid fleet had safely avoided the mines and they still have vast numbers on their side part of their lines were in complete chaos. A strong blow would have knocked the whole fleet back on its heels, perhaps even forcing the droids to pull back in order to rebuild their formations. However this blow never came.

“All ships fall back and prepare to jump to hyperspace!”

“Admiral please, the evacuation is not yet completed,” Hagen pleaded. “There’s still over a million people in the system we can’t just leave them to die!”

“Major you forget yourself. My duty is to this fleet and I will not throw it away fighting a battle we cannot win. We will withdraw and face this enemy when we have the advantage,” Rear Admiral Tolon declared.

The Admiral’s order broke the already unsteady fleet. Even as the droid fleet tried to untangle themselves from the mines the Federation ships turned and began to flee. Overcome with shock and anger Major Hagen moved to an empty chair at the fair side of the bridge. As soon as he sat down he regretted it and he was close enough to hear the civilian com traffic.

”Wait! Where are you going? We still have people down here.”

”One more trip! You have time to make one more trip. Please at least get the children.”

”Daddy? Daddy when are you coming back? You said you would be back soon to get me and mommy. I’m scared Daddy.”

”You bastards! You gods damned bastards! You promised you’d fight until we were all safe. You promised!”

Unable to take anymore Hagon pushed himself up and headed to his quarters. For the second time he would be safe while a whole system died. He felt hopelessness well up inside him but forced it down. No he would make sure that at least some good came from this disaster. Stars stretched and then disappeared as the ship entered hyperspace with the rest of the fleet. Anoat was lost.

Actions:
Federation loses Anoat system without a fight.

Federation loses:
1 Nebulon-H frigate
2 Senex corvettes
10 Kathol gunships

Droid loses:
2 Annihilation class Star Destroyers
4 Eradicator class Cruisers
3 Disintegration class Destroyers
5 Wildfire class Frigates
11 Negation class Corvettes


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bakura

President Kraas looked around the table at his Cabinet members. Most wouldn’t have anything to really contribute but with an invasion on he felt it was important to get everyone involved, that way everyone knew the score and could act accordingly. Also there were several high ranking military officers, minus Admiral Serir who was on her way to the front, and a few guards that Kraas half suspected were there to keep him from grabbing a ship and going off to fight himself. “So that’s the latest. Ison and Hoth are gone with Anoat looking at an attack any day now. Still no communications from these droids or whoever is controlling them. Any theories on who these guys are?”

“I might have an answer Mr President,” Piggy said. “Given what markings we’ve been able to observe and base on how they’re acting I believe we might be looking at the same droid army that attacked Denon with the Sith. I’ve contacted my counterparts within the Entente to see if they have any more information on them.”

“Ok that’s good work. Now the big question is how do we stop them? Admiral Ossilege?”

The former chief of the Federation military flipped through his notes before pulling out a paper and giving it a quick look. “We’re in a real hard spot. Admiral Serir is working on a way to contain these droids put it’s going to be hard. They’re not looking to hold territory so they’ll be able to keep the same number of ships with them for every attack. Based on the reports we’ve gotten from survivors from Ison and Hoth we’ll need at least half of the fleet to slow them down and it will take weeks to position those ship. Even if we threw every single ship we have into the Anoat Sector we would need to spread them out among many systems where they just need to hit one.”

“Be even harder to do that since some systems won’t want to help out,” one of the Ministers put in. That got nod and frowns around the table. During the Ssi-ruuk War the southern sectors had been slow to send military aid, fearing attacks on their own homes. Now that the shoe was on the other foot some in the northern sectors were whispering that it was time for some payback.

“Leave that to me,” Kraas said firmly. “I’m going to have a meeting with some Senators after we’re done here and with their help I hope to put in some reforms that will put a stop that damn treasonous talk. Alright so militarily we’re in a real bad way. We’re going to need to flood the Anoat Sector with ships and pray that we can hand these droids some solid defeats. I don’t like that…I don’t like that at all. I think we’re going to need to call in some help for this.”

Piggy grabbed a datapad and looked up. “Who should we talk to Mr President? The Entente? This invasion would fall within their duties outlined in the treaty and I’m sure all members what a sign that this alliance can work after its rocky start.”

“Everyone! The Entente, though I don’t expect the Bothans to help, the Imperium, the Corellians, hell I’ll even take help from the SWE.”

Some of the Ministers looked at each other. Finally one of them spoke. “Is that the wisest course of action Mr President? I mean to cry for help when this conflict is so young might make us look weak in the eyes of the galaxy.”

“To hell with appearances!” Kraas bellowed. “There are billions of Federation citizens who are at risk and I will not allow them to die just to get a few points in galactic politics. These droids are killing everyone they come across and that means they need to be stopped right now, not when we’re in a position to deal with them ourselves. Moddell might be the birthplace of the Federation but Anoat is now its heartland. You think our economy is in rough shape think of what it would be like if even living person in the Anoat Sector is killed. No we’ll put out a call for aid and accept any that is offered. If that makes people think we’re weak well then let them think that. Our record during the Vong War is proof enough that it’s not the case. But I will not play politics while millions die. Now then, let’s get on with this meeting. We’ve still got a lot to cover.”

Actions:
In light of the nature of the droid invasion the Federation activates its alliances, as well as put out a general call for aid.
New emergency reforms place all matters related to the military firmly with the Office of the President.

[Coyote]

Throne Room, Theed Palace
Naboo




"Admiral," the Queen said, greeting FADM Kulo as he walked in. With him were Chief Bast and Commander Th'andra, both looking grave.

"Majesty," the Admiral said, "I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but the situation in the Federation is, apparantly, worse than we thought."

"How so?" the Queen said. "A droid army? It sounde dlike some minor regional warlord found some old battle droid stocks and was engaging on a rampage, hoping to soak up some spoils in the post-Vong collapse."

"No, Majesty," Chief Bast spoke up, "It is far worse than that. It appears to be a well-executed plan of extermination being carried out by a self-aware assassin droid believed to go by the moniker 'HK-47'."

"HK-47?" the Queen asked. "That sounds familiar."
"If you know your early Republic history," Th'andra said, "You'd recognize it as the callsign of a droid that once traveled with Darth Revan."

"That was five thousand years ago," the Queen said, "This must be another droid, using the name to frighten people and build up an aura of mystique. Who is he exterminating?"
"He appears to be the real droid," Bast said, "His whereabouts were unknown for centuries and it is not unheard of for some droids to serve for centuries. As to who he's exterminating, it appears to be everyone."

"Everyone?" the Queen asked.
"All organics," Th'andra stated, "His attack patterns are fairly clear-- HK-47 has droid forces surround an area, they move in, track down any stragglers, and close in on an area and leave no survivors. They thoroughly scour an area before moving on to their next objective."

"And Federation defenses?" the Queen asked, concerned. The Federation was a strong military power but had been ravaged by attacks within its territory-- some from Yuuzhan Vong raiding forces, but mostly from a punishing war with the Ssi-Ruuk that many thought had been arranged by secret allaince with the Vong.

"Piggy SaBingring tells us that defenses are crumbling," Bast said, "Much of the Ison Corridor is being overrun, if not taken by now. Survivors say that fighting has been brutal and the droid armies allow no one to surrender. They also say..." he paused, frowning, "..they also say that the fleet commander of the defense of Anoat blundered into a trap, and turned tail and fled, leaving the refugees to fend for themselves."

The Queen looked at Admiral Kulo, who could tell by the look on his face what this would mean to the morale level of remaining Federation forces-- the Federation fleet had just been defeated on two fronts; one of physical battle but the other psychological.

"The Federation will need everyone they can to defend their home space," the Queen said. "Send a message to President Kraas. Tell him that he can withdraw all Federation defensive units in Bothan Space and we will fill the gap in the line ourselves."

"Majesty," Chief Bast said, "That will go over poorly with the population, who are divided on the Bothan war."
"It makes more sense to relieve Federation units and gamble on a quiet Bothan home front than it does to send fleets to a definite war in the Federation," she said. "I know it is risky, but it's the best we can do to support our allies. Admiral Kulo, can your people do it?"

"We stand ready, Your Highness," he said.
"Then implement."




Results:
Royal Navy will relieve Federation units in Bothan space.
***

[PhantomVX2000]

Phindar

“Head up!” Lieutenant Karnes announced as he entered the briefing room

Everybody in the room turned and looked at him. For a long moment, the silence reigned over the room as Karnes stepped onto the podium, surveying the silent audience before him, and mentally plotting probable reactions to the news he was about to deliver. The men and women under his command were like his family and these people he would trust with his life, having righteously earned their respects. They deserved to know the truth. Nearly a half hour ago, he received surprising news from his superior officers that would change the entire platoon. He finally spoke up:

“The first thing I would like to let you know is that that Gilana Sarn, our friendly embedded reporter from Commenor, who had left this unit last week. Well, she recently resigned from the Commenor HoloNet News on personal grounds. With her and Conrad’s permission, on her behalf, I am pleased to announce that she is immigrating to the Mandalore Sector so she could stay close with her lover.”

Soon the room was roaring with cheer and laughter. Some whistled, some commended and patted half-embarrassed Conrad on the back.

The sergeant ducked his head and sunk deeper in his seat. He mumbled, “That really went well.”

“Conrad, remember… you lucked out on that one.”

“What will be of Gilana after she handled in her resignation?” Someone in the room asked.

“Glad you asked.” Karnes said, “She volunteered in the Army and is currently enrolling into the special program for foreign former soldiers. She will be taking a job offering from the Galactic News Service once her training is up. They needed someone to cover the events concerning the Mandalorian Order and she’s a perfect person for that job. Mandal’or himself liked what she had done so far during her time with us. He decided that she should be one of the Mandalorian High Command’s primary media liaisons.”

“It’s good to know she is looking after our public image.”

“That’s right.” Karnes nodded and patted his hand in the air. “Alright, the second one… I want you all listen me carefully. This one is very important. I recently received a word from my superiors that starting tomorrow we are going to move out to Mandalore. We have been invited for a tryout process for the Asymmetric Warfare Group. This group officially does not exist. As your officer, I already accepted the invitation because someone from the AWG had gone a greater length to do that.

I must warn you: if we made the selection process, we will be transferred out of the Army’s chain of command. Secondly, it is expected that not many units will make through the tryout selection process and I want each of you give it 110%.

This discussion never leaves this room. Am I that clear?”

“Yes, sir” Everyone in the room said in unison.

A moment later, Conrad raised his hand in the air.

“Yes?” Karnes narrowed his eyes on his sergeant.

“When the tryout starts?” asked Conrad.

“Next week, Monday morning”

“That would give us plenty time to get ourselves warmed up.”


Mandalore

Neither Andris nor Dinah said a single word for a few minutes since they probed deeply into Raue Sharae’s mind for the truth. They found nothing suspicious but the truth, which was somewhat a disappointment for them. In the truth, Ruae had nothing to hide from them and he wanted to prove his innocence: he had nothing to do with the Corellia incident. They silently stared at each other.

“Well, do you buy his words?” asked Janus.

Andris looked up at him, “Yes, I'm afraid so. He is telling the truth.”

“If Ruae didn’t it… then who did?”

“Finding whoever created these droids would be very problematic.” Dinah sighed.

“Not necessarily problematic…” Janus tapped on the table. “… I have my own sources. You would find him on Nar Shaddaa. A minor Hutt Lordling by the name of Rantho, he owns a number of smuggling cartels throughout CIS space and a major asteroid base somewhere near Nar Shaddaa.”

“Do you know it for certain?” Andris asked.

“The little yellow bird told me, but I would take her words for it.” Janus sipped his Mandallian ale. “Okay. Rantho owns a sizable, though by any standards they'd be considerably obsolete, fleet of ships and its likely his cartels are heavy guarded by the very droids he smuggles.”

For a moment, Andris inhaled quietly as he thought the information was too good for him to be passed up. He saw having a connection to one or two people within Dooku’s inner circle was potentially a big advantage in the covert war against Count Dooku.

“We appreciate sharing it with us.”

Janus nodded. “Consider us are even. In the fact, you two will be doing us a great favor by taking out Rantho, a man responsible for infecting some of my best people.”

“Send him our regard.” Nurola said.

“Certainly.” Dinah smiled.

Janus cleared his throat, “I need a few moments alone with my people.” He gestured the foreigners toward a large, spacious observation room with transparent walls. “I will call you in when we are done.”

“Try to not kill our quest.” Nurola chuckled.

Dinah smiled, “We won’t.”

The guests stood up and went into the adjacent room, giving the Mandalorian complete privacy.

“Sit.” Janus half turned in his seat to gesture the Enwandung-Esterhazy siblings toward two empty seats.

“Okay.” Zayles said as he and his sister took the seats offered by Janus.

“You are going to Nar Shaddaa along with most of the original Corellia strike team. They are already there. However, two others are on classified assignments somewhere else. I was able to secure their replacements. ” Janus said, looking levelly at the others across the table.

“Dooku?” asked Barden. “He asked you?”

Colonel Bardan was not thrilled to hear his name since finding out the Clean Slate, one of Dooku’s most dangerous dark side-based weapons. He intended to ensure this would not happen again, not on his watch. With the knowledge provided by Andris and Dinah, he and Tallisibeth were able to come up with at least a half dozen of possible countermeasures against this deadly alchemical agent, but some of them were nothing more than untested theories. However, the Mandalorians were prepared this time.

Janus nodded his head. “That’s right. Apparently, he is having some problems with foreign elements on Nar Shaddaa, and he wants this team handling them. Kiva is already there running the counter-intel operation.”

“Kiva…” Nurola was thrilled to hear that she was going to see her close friend again. “…is there?”

“Yes, she goes under the name ‘Darth Fatale’. She is now part of Dooku’s Sith Order from what he told me.”

That made Nurola shuddered slightly in her seat.

“Do you want us to bring her back to the humanity?” asked Zayles.

Janus nodded, “If possible, yes.”

“We will need to exercise a great deal of caution on that one.” Bardan said. “The mental conditioning techniques used by the Sith would have made her potentially dangerous individual.”

Tallisibeth looked at Bardan, “Possibly, but knowing her, she is a very incredibly tough and strong-willed person. If anyone could withstand the mental conditionings imposed by the Sith… she could do it. There are no ways she would allow them transform her into an entirely different person. No, not that easy.”

“My mom is right.” Nurola said.

“So when we leave for Nar Shaddaa?” asked Barden.

“Midnight.” Janus replied. “They are expecting you within two to three days.”

“What about Ruae? Someone need to keep an eyes on him.” Zayles glanced up at the former viceroy speaking with the couple in another room.

“Someone will keep an eye on him.” Bardan said. “We got ourselves a potential recruit. She is a force-sensitive like us. For now, watching him would be part of her test.”

“She?” asked Zayles, surprised.

“Her name’s Guri, she’s a Jedi Master and a former Centrality ambassador who defected on the political grounds. I will fill you in on all the details while on the way to Nar Shaddaa.”

“Okay.”

“Do you have any more questions?” Janus asked.

The force-sensitives exchanged each other a silent look, looked at Janus, and shook their head, indicating they were ready to leave for their next assignment.

“All right, I will get the quests.” Janus stood up and walked over to the glass double door leading to the observation. He opened the door, calling out to the quests, “Okay, we are done. You could come in now.”

[Lord Castellan]

Naboo
Theed Palace




"You can go ahead, the Queen will see you now." The Handmaiden said. Dza'Tey nodded graciously as she opened the door for him. The Bothan walked into the regal splendor of the Queen's Throne Room. Beautiful banisters hung from the walls, a slight melody playing as if just off in the distance.

Queen Chantal Apailana II sat upon her throne, elaborate and elegant. She wore her most famous red gown, the long remembered symbol of Queen Padme Amidala, and a beloved trademark of Queens since.

Dza'Tey stopped before her throne, momentarily bowing. The Queen accepted the gesture but was tired of it. Dza'Tey was a Bothan, and was far to sharp to be fooled by her facades. He could tell how tired, worn out, irritated, and just plain sour she was.

"Chief Councilor Dza'Tey, welcome." She said, uninterested, almost annoyed by the expected formality. But the Bothan did the unexpected, smiling warmly and holding his hands out.

"Please Chantal, call me Daren." She was slightly taken aback by this turn of conversation, her Handmaidens seemingly thinking alike by their reactions. Daren sat down at the available chair in front of her desk, setting each a ten card deck before she and himself, and a larger desk in the middle of the table. On the back all of the cards were green, but as Apailana picked up her hand she found several cards to be either blue, red, or a mixture of both. Daren shuffled his hand and looked up to the confused look on the Queen's face.

"Have you ever played Pazaak my lady?" She shook her head. "Oh its a wonderful card game. Its much like the Sabaac of today. Once it was the premiere gambling game in the Old Republic, thousands of years ago. Many circles in Bothan space still play it."

"Chief Councilor..."

He held up a hand. "Call me Daren. You can light a Cigarelle if you wish, I know you enjoy them. My brother smokes them, so I am not unfamiliar with the smell. Though I dare say it lingers on a Bothan far lingers than a Human!"

The Queen was hesitant at first, expecting Dza'Tey to either be stiffly formal or angered. She would never have guessed he would want to play cards on first name basis. She slowly retrieved a Cigarelle from her desk and lit it, inhaling a deep puff before letting it loose. Daren smiled at her.

"Now the object of Pazaak is simple. You will draw a hand of four cards from the ten you bring to the game. Each player then alternates drawing a number card from the main deck. The number cards continue to add up to your total. You may use any of the cards in your hand at any time. Each card has different property, such as adding five to your total or subtracting three or so on, even at times a card can be played as either a plus or a minus card. The object of the game is to achieve the highest possible total and beat your opponent's, though any total higher than twenty is an automatic bust." The Queen nodded in understanding.

Daren started off the first hand. Apailana was tense, but his cheerful demeanor had an effect on her, and slowly she relaxed a bit. They played three hands before she finally decided to make conversation.

"So how is your wife Daren?" She asked, slowly warming up.

"Wonderful in fact. She has been a more supportive mate than a Bothan could ask for. We need to have a Gala sometime so you could meet her."

Chantal smiled. "Im glad you two have such love for one another."

"I would give it all up if I had to, all for her."

They shared a smile as they played through another short hand. Daren won again. "Im starting to think you stacked this hand against me." She said jokingly.

Daren looked hurt. "I would never!" The way he said it was just too much to bear, and Apailana burst out laughing. You could almost feel the good mood in the room, even the Handmaidens were smiling.

"So there is no business on your mind then Chi- Daren?"

"My people are at War Mi'Lady. At War with a people who would see me burn simply because I am not Human. But for today at least, I am willing to set that aside. Willing to play some cards and talk shop with another member of that Race, but one I call my friend. I note everything the SAS is doing for us and they will be paid back in more than full, but for now, let us play another hand."

The Queen smiled widely, fully giving in to her self and letting the mantle of weary ruler fall from her shoulders that day. "This time we play Sabaac, and I deal."





Novastorm
Bothan Armada
Over Taanab




High Admiral Traest Kre'Fey stared out of the view pane, his expression neutral. Taanab was no longer a threat, Union forces falling daily planet side. Freighters and transports filled the skies, many troops camping in crop fields so innocent civilians could ride the Invasion-IIs back to Vigil and from there to safety.

It was not all success. Death Camps were discovered all over the planet's surface. Most of the Aliens discovered were now but ashes, may more malnourished to the point of death in a soldier's arms. It broke people, seriously hurting temporary morale.

Most were in shock, unable to believe what they saw. It rocked them to the very core, resulting in restless nights and terrifying daydreams. But soon every single soldier came around, turning first from depression to anger, and then determination. There were still Aliens in the SSU, and they were gonna save every damn one.


This however left HADM Kre'Fey with the difficult task of helping his men fulfill their wishes, and keep them alive as well. He looked over reports from the growing force at Tirahnn. They could hit it and maintain their rear fleets, but it would hurt, and many Bothans would bleed.

With him stood FADM Ry'Kan, 'The Guardian of Kamino'. The Bothan gave advice where he could, or made a comment. For the most he remained simply there as the High Admiral thought.

Kre'Fey then looked up at him. "I remember the day you joined the Bothan Navy Ry'Kan."

The Fleet Admiral smiled nostalgically. "I remember being terrified. I never expected you to walk in and offer me a position in the Admirality."

"We needed good commanders, and self appointed or not you did well in the New Empire war. Securing Kamino was a very important objective, we could not ignore that."

Ry'Kan nodded. "I suppose. Have I lived up to my supposed reputation?"

Traest smiled. "In my eyes we couldnt have asked for better. The surprise attack at Roon, saved only by you. The Gamorrean situation would have exploded if not for your action. And I dont overlook your successes here on Taanab. The Bothans need people like you, im just glad we got you back."

"Thank you sir." Ry'Kan said graciously.

"I trust you, and I know you can get the job done. So you're going on a suicide mission."

"Tell me to jump, ill ask how high.... I would lie to know how high though."

"There is a way to cut down the forces at Tirahnn and allow a strike force to punch through. The SWE has increased it's military presence at Obroa-Skai, and though they wont get into this fight per FRA request, they are going to destroy any SSU military presence that crosses their borders."

"Obroa-Skai... Arent we using the Shipyards there for minor repairs?"

Traest nodded. "We are. I spoke with Admiral Ty'Lin Krennath today, and she is ready for it. You are gonna take 4th to Tirahnn. Bloody their noses and then pull out for Obroa-Skai. If you are followed the SWE will help you take out the attackers, if not then we should have enough time to take out what remains at Tirahnn."

"Sounds pretty straight forward commander, but theres a catch. We both know how much he Union likes their Interdictors."

"Its a risk we have to take, and one I know you can overcome. Are you up to it Fleet Admiral?"

Ry'Kan saluted. "Sir, yes sir!"

RESULTS:
-Bothan ships using Obroa-Skai as a repair and refit port
-Battle plan for Tirahnn put into motion, SWE supports the idea





Telos
Polar Region
Abandoned Academy




Three blades of Black, Bronze, and Green pointed at the droid, metallic laughter playing from it's audio. Blaster fire flew over HK-47's shoulders, forcing the Jedi to take stances and deflect. The Orange droid dove forward and activated a flamethrower, catching the end of Hirrack's cloak as he jumped. He quickly took off the burning material and threw it aside.

Saren snarled as he launched himself into the air, swiping his blade down at the droid. HK rolled out of the way, a metal fist pushing Saren's following kick away. The droid rolled up to his knees and fired two blasters at the approaching Krennath, barely stopping him. The Black blade came down, stopped suddenly by an unseen barrier. Krennath's eyes grew in surprise, not stalling him from thrusting out a hand and sending HK flying with the Force.

A battalion of HK-77s charged into the small chamber, firing on the closest Jedi with heavy blasters. The sound of explosions could be heard overhead, battle raging atop the plateau. They didnt have much time.

HK lunged at Hirrack, bringing up a Vibroblade against his Lightsaber. Hirrack held him off, Saren stepping back towards him to cover every blaster bolt that came near. He flipped backwards, spinning through the air and swiping at HK's feet. The droid jumped up, catching on the ceiling and firing his blasters straight back down.

Krennath tore through a trio of HK-77s, ripping the fourth apart with the Force. He looked to see GK-7 Recon droids scatter into the room, ripping holocrons from the walls.

"Saren! The Spiders!" He yelled in alarm, spinning around and taking out another droid.

Saren dodged out from under HK-47's fire, looking to the droids. He concentrated for a moment, crushing a GK-7 with his mind. Suddenly a blaster bolt struck his shoulder and he went sprawling into the wall. He picked himself up, something sharp shooting through his back. He reached back to pull the sharp metal out, blood drenching him. He looked at the blood splattered shard, discovering it to be part of a shattered Holocron. The metal may be strong enough to puncture his armor, but they were falling apart.

He looked over to inform his allies, only noticing that Hirrack already figured it out. He would toss his saber at one, lunging forward to retrieve the blade and repeat. Krennath stood behind him, fighting off the droids single handed. HK-47 had already fled, nowhere to be seen. Saren roared and re-joined the fray.


Suddenly the droids turned and fled, covering the GK-7s as they made off with what holocrons they had. Krennath made chase immediately, launching a few Thermal Detonators ahead of them. Saren pulled Hirrack from his task and turned to join the chase.

It was a swift run through the base, the black Lightsaber cutting through many more a droid. They came within sight of the lift, the GK-7s surging forward faster. Saren pointed at the controls, busting the lift's power supply. But the droids were undeterred. They entered the passage and scrambled up the walls, leaving the remaining HK-77s to be destroyed by the Jedi.

The three of them stepped onto the lift, Saren raisin it up to the mesa surface with the Force. There the GK-7s were trying to cut through the unresponsive blast doors, not expecting the Jedi to arrive so soon. They were destroyed by the Jedi Lightsabers, incinerating in small explosions.

The three then turned their blades to the door, kicking it through after significant melting. The scene on the mesa was absolute chaos, with Bothan soldiers backed against the Bothawui, holding out against a swarm of Droid Fighters and a few HK-77s on the surface. Saren raised his Lightsaber, growling as he jumped into the fight.

[Ironanvil1]

Zel System, Zeltron Space


In the night-time sky of Zeltros a new constellation sparkled briefly as a formation of ships emerged from hyperspace.
The centrepiece was an Imperial Star Destroyer, its consorts arrayed around it in tight attendance. The response amongst the civilian ships clustered in orbit resembled that of a shoal of fish at the abrupt appearance of a predator.

As the planetary defences scrambled to react a widebeam transmission blanketed the planets communications –

“We are the contact fleet from the Kingdom of Ravenna, we come to usher in a new era for the Zeltron people, to make you a part of something greater, the rising of a new nation”

Silence was the only response that greeted this announcement.


----------------------------------------------------------


Aboard the bridge of the Star Destroyer, the scene was tense as the time ticked past.
“Still no response sir” communications reported

“They’re stalling.”

In low tones Besk spoke to Admiral Koth “Sir, I still think this is a major risk – we should have continued with smaller systems like Merson. Zeltros is too big a target.”

“Your opinion has been noted First, but I command here. We need a significant world before Iziz will give us full backing.”
Besk gave up trying to persuade him, it had begun to be increasingly pointless to try and dissuade Koth from his course over recent months.

The plan had seen him regain his old vigour, lost in the years of exile, but it had been balanced by his growing unwillingness to listen to advice.
It had begun as simply a way to extract resources from the famously intransigent Onderonians, pretending to be a government rather than a pirate fleet.
He’d tried to bring him to his senses, but Koth had begun to believe his own propaganda, to think that he could make the pretence real.

Besk couldn’t deny that the idea held a raw attraction for him, as it did for all the Bothans - the thought of a place to call home after all this time. After what they’d done, they couldn’t go back and after what happened to Bothawui no-one particularly wanted to.
It was Merson that had done it – the ease with which the Governor there had believed the deception had encouraged him. He’d tried to tell him fooling the leader of a backwater rock like Merson and deceiving the cosmopolitan Zeltrons was a very different thing,

Finally a sign of activity issued forth from the world below.
“Incoming transmission from the planet”

The pink faced figure who appeared on the viewscreen was arrayed military dress with a small coronet on his brow.
“I am Arno III, King of Zeltros - we know how you deceived the Mersonians, we know the Ravenna.” The voice was contemptuous.
“The government of Zeltros is not interested in being extorted by criminal pretenders - we reject your “offer”. Leave now.”

“Multiple wings of starfighters lifting from the planet sir. X-Wings, Trifighters and ARC-170’s” Sensors reported.

With a sinking feeling Besk could see what was coming before Koth opened his mouth.
“You would defy your rightful Prince?! You will suffer the consequences! Prepare to attack!”

He could see the hesitation on the faces of the bridge crew, but the habits of loyalty were strong in the Bothans and they obeyed the Admiral even as the gesticulations with his blaster intimidated the pirates in the crew.

“Those fighters will do nothing against the might of this fleet, this Star Destroyer alone could destroy your world!”

The face of Arno seemed unruffled by the threats - only a slight smile crossing his features.
“Indeed that is an Imperial Star Destroyer, a powerful ship, but there is a flaw in your reasoning…… We have them too.”

“Contacts behind us!” The nervousness in the sensor report was noticeable even through tight control. “Multiple capital ships and fighter wings closing on us - estimate they will be in engagement range in 3 minutes.”
On the sensor display a squadron of ships swept in from the spinward edge of the system. Their intention was obvious - to pin the Ravenna and its consorts against the planet and its fighter defences.

Besk spoke with urgency, “Sir we must withdraw before we are surrounded. At full strength we could defeat them easily but with the complement of the Assault Cruisers stripped to give this ship a skeleton crew… - It’s a paper rancor and the bluff has been called - we need to retreat.”

“You would counsel flight, First?”

“With that degree of fighter coverage we’d suffer heavy damage even in victory. Retreat and we can try elsewhere, the Kingdom can still be real. Surely the Iziz will accept the Mersonians as evidence?”
Besk lowered his voice “Sir we have served you faithfully but please don’t lead these men into death for the fading wisp of a dream”

Besk breathed a sigh of relief as he was heeded “Navigation. Calculate a jump out-system, vector away from the closing ships.”
“Laid in”

As the Zeltron ships and their accompanying swarm closed in the fleet prepared to jump to hyperspace.
The leading packs of fighters were just entering engagement range when the fleetwide order was given and the vessels vanished into hyperspace…. To emerge an instant later - bare light minutes away.

“Mass mines!”
“All ships report hyperdrives disabled sir!”

Koth was decisive even in chaos, “Helmsman bring us about, have the corvettes form up on-” the stream of orders cut off as the Admiral was dumbstruck by the scene out of the viewport.
Four monstrous vessels, dwarfing even the Ravenna, had emerged from hyperspace and were closing on the crippled fleet.
“Lucrehulks - what are Separatists doing here!?”

The incoming transmission put to rest any doubts of their intentions, “Pirate vessels, you will surrender at once or face immediate destruction”

Waving his blaster the Admiral stood and spoke defiantly to the crew “Very well, if we must fight we shall! We shall die in battle as warriors!”

It was time to act, though it almost broke his heart.
Rising from his station Besk walked to the Admirals shoulder and spoke gently “It’s over sir, we have to surrender”

“NO! We will triumph! We shall build our Kingdom here!”

The crew watched intently as he slowly reached and took the blaster from Koth’s hand, looking away as one being as the grizzled old Bothan fell back into his command chair and broke down weeping.
“I’m sorry sir but it’s over, it’s all over” Besk said softly.

With heavy heart he turned to the crew and said the necessary words -
“Due to the Admiral being unfit, I am assuming command of this vessel and of the fleet. Comms - transmit our surrender to the Zeltrons.”

Actions:
“Ravenna Kingdom” Pirate Fleet captured by Zeltrons assisted by Minos Compact

[Coyote]

Vagabond Infiltration Team
Privateer Invidious
Hutt Space










Jedi Padawan Tillho Chaen was in the landing bay, as he was more frequently. With him were Geo and R8K9, all eager to keep busy at something for the sake of appearances among the pirates, and also to keep away from Noora and Rayce.


"I don't mean to put down Rayce," Tillho muttered quietly, "But I thought it was weird that she was put in charge over Noora, who's older and much more experienced at leadership."
They were inside the cockpit of the Vagabond, Noora Raidaa's FP-31 Firespray heavy fighter, and able to speak freely. The ship was constantly checked for tampering and microphones.

"It is a Jedi mission," Geo said, "A Jedi should be in charge; and that means Rayce, who has earned the title of Knight for courage and determination in the field-- against these very groups of Hutt criminals and their henchmen."
"But you have experience with these Hutts," Tillho said, "And you were a Jedi Knight for forty years."

"I did not serve as a Jedi Knight for most of that time," Geo reminded him. "I was in my Battle Droid disguise. I spent time on boring garrison posts, or in storage. So it's not as if I stood up to these people; if anything I just hid from them. Not much of a resume."

"Well, you're not involved in the give-and-take between those two," the Cerean Padawan said, hooking his thumb towards the ceiling and implying the abovedecks region, where their quarters were. "That's a point in your favor. We should have foreseen this."
"Why would anyone have foreseen this situation?" Geo asked.

"Well, maybe it's organic dynamics," Tillho said, "But when you have an older, experienced person taking orders from a younger, lesser experienced person, it leads to friction. Just because the younger person has some training doesn't mean they have the wisdom."
"But did not Noora Raidaa face the same situation as Rayce?" Geo asked, "Were they not imprisoned together? They had the exact same experiences, Noora did not learn anything more or go through anything more than Rayce because she was older. And I understand that Noora has voluntarily stepped down from leadership roles since being Queen, am I right?"

Tillho had to admit it was true. "She got burned out being Queen," he said, "It took a lot out of her and made her bitter."
"Why was that?" Geo asked.
"Probably because the people elected Viktor Krahn to be King."
"That would be the one known as 'King Hadiss'?" Geo asked. "I have heard much complaint about him."

"That's the guy," Tillho said, "He took a royal name upon taking the throne. Noora worked hard to form the Alliance and when Krahn was elected, it was like the people made a joke of everything she'd worked hard and sacrificed for."
"I hate to say this," Geo said, "But it sounds like your former Queen does not understand some of the pitfalls that are inherent with the concept of Democracy."

"But in Democracy, the will of the people can be expressed in government."
"I'm not saying Democracy is bad," Geo said, "It is probably the best choice of government despite its problems. But it is fragile. I have watched as many democracies fell because the people get swept up in fads. People start thinking it is like... like fashion." The Iron Knight shook his head. "I never understood the organic preoccupation with fashion. The shirt that looked good last year is still fine this year, but people change it. People start thinking about democracy the same way-- they want to change it for the sake of change, or accessorize little social experiments."

"You're a conservative at heart, aren't you?' Tillho asked.
"I think people should resist the urge to tinker and meddle," he said. "So I suppose by your definition, yes."

"So you think Rayce is still the better choice to lead the expedition?" Tillho asked.
"Noora does not seem to understand the fundamentals of a government she once led," Geo said, "In my mind, she has not truly found her center, and matured."
"Careful; she's popular back home," Tillho said with a smile.

"Pweet-toodle-tweee," R8K9 said before Geo could answer.
"Someone's coming," the Iron Knight said. The ramp lowered and Rayce Tambo steppe din.

"Noora wants to quit, so we're going to try to find a way to get extracted," she said, "Ideally, we're going to try to put a transponder on that LH-3210 transfer ship so that the trail can be picked up by Royal Intel."

Tillho and Geo looked at each other, Geo's face unreadable and Tillho's carefully neutral. "Very well," Geo said, "We will make preparations as best we can. Any idea on how we are going to exfiltrate?"
"No, I think Her Highness has an idea that she's working on," Rayce said in regular conversational tones. Tillho frowned but said nothing.

"R8K9's communications and encryption suite can easily send a transmission that these pirates won't intercept," Geo said casually, keeping the topic neutral, "Or even if they could intercept it, they won't be able to figure it out. All we need now is a reason to return to the transfer ship." The Iron Knight looked up at them both. "I'm sure it is only a matter of time before the Invidious sets out on another mission to capture some goods, requiring a stopover with our quarry."

"Good," Rayce said, "There should be some standard-issue transponders aboard this ship, so let's get ready to implement our plan as soon as the opportunity arises."

"Roger-roger..."








Results:
Tillho and Geo both face eroding confidence in Rayce and Noora.
Rayce adopts plan to get away --with some bitterness-- but makes solid plans to carry through.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Sudden Death Swoop Shop
Nar Shadda










"Powerful," Maris said, "But nuts. She's got enough issues to open her own magazine stand."
"At least you got away," Conrat said, "We may be able to set a trap for her trap... but we need to know just how extensive her operation is. If we show up with five, and she shows up with fifty, we have a problem."

"I'll wait for her to get more friends," Maris said, "To make it fair."
"A good attitude," Master Kota said, "But ultimately, we'll need more than spirit and bravado. This is more than just a clash of warriors-- they know about us, and it is likely they know where we are."

"We'll have to relocate," Bronwyn said, "And I was just starting to like the place."
"We can find another place with more scrounge," Arik said, "But Master Kota is right. As soon as Drakko comes back we'll start making plans to--" he was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Drakko Kevil, charging into the room, winded.

"What is it?" Bardes asked, alarmed. Hands hovered over blasters and lightsabers as people stepped away from walls and doors.
"General Greivous," Drakko said, "He's here. On Nar Shadda!"

"Grevious?" Arik asked, alarmed.
"This can't be coincidence," Bronwyn said.

"Where did you see him?" Tigris asked.
"At the slave auctions," Drakko said, "I was scoping out the latest batch of slaves and goods brought in by the Imperials when Grevious showed up with a handful of Battle Droids and a small army of Klatoonian thugs."

"Klatooninas?" Bronwyn asked. "Like some Hutt's private retinue? Isoth's, maybe?"
"That's what I thought at first," the twi'lek said, "But these guys were moving with precision. They look like a real army, not a collection of bullies."
"What was he doing there?" Bardes asked.

"Looked like he was going to buy some slaves and equipment," Drakko said, "He was in the market for some of the attractive girls, skilled laborers, and military hardware. Mining stuff, too."
"Mining? Bronwyn asked.
"Expanding his underground lair," Hyraini spoke up. "The skilled laborers-- who was he looking for?"

"Architects, construction," Drakko said, nodding, "Stuff needed to expand a base... and the girls, of course, for...yeah."

"This may be a coincidence," master Kota said. "Grievous may just be here on a shopping trip."
"Or the shopping trip is a cover to bring in a couple platoons of reinforcements," Arik said. "Alright, obviously Grievous is successful if he's here to buy top-end stuff to expand his base. It may, or may not be, a coincidence that he shows up when 'Darth Fatale' shows up. Either way, there's a lot of heat in town, more than usual, so we have to move carefully to avoid attracting any undo attention.

"Let's find a new safe house, and start packing in our operations here... quietly," he said, and added with a sigh. "And we need to let Spynet know that more of their operations may be compromised."









Results:
'Darth Fatale' confrontation leads to need to relocate.
General Grievous shows up on Nar Shaddaa-- motivations unknown but with 40 troops of various types.

***

[Oseng]

Drognar

Drognar was abuzz with activity, activity on a scale it had not seen since the days of the Clone Wars. For the first time in many years warships were orbiting high above the planet.

Several landing craft had swooped in and landed on the edge of an overgrown field of bota, disgorging figures in environmental suits onto the tropical planet's surface.

“All right lets get to it.” Professor Tasha Zaine, the near human leader of the group of researchers who had originally contacted the Proconsul, called out over a commlink. They had found the old treatments for Drognar's deadly spores but had chosen to wear the environmental suits for the extra layer of protection during this, their first landing on the planet. “Remember there is a major electrical storm headed this way, we need to get our samples and get out of here in ten minutes.”

“Yes Ma'm!” Her small part of researchers, soldiers, and sailors said as they broke into groups and spread out over the field.

Her group carefully removed several mutated bota plants from the overgrown field, a remnant of the fields that had drawn both the CIS and the Old Republic to the planet, and placed them within specimen containers for safe transport back to the research facility.

The other groups quietly and quickly scattered to carry out their own duties, hurrying to finish before the massive storm front swept in. The large electrical storm had been raging in the area for at least the last two weeks, since before their arrival in system, and they had taken advantage of a slight lull to get in before the storms returned.

Air, water, and soil samples were taken and placed in their own carefully marked containers. Scans and holographs were taken as well, to be used to design an enclave if their research proved itself. A myriad of different tasks were quickly and efficiently completed, the teams hurrying back to their shuttles as they finished their assigned tasks.

“Alright that's it, time to go!” Tasha barked over the comlink after looking at her watch. “We have two minutes until the storm returns!”

The last few teams hurriedly finished their task and sprinted for the shuttles, stowing their specimen containers and other gear in the passenger cabins for lack of time. As soon as the last person was on board and the hatches sealed the shuttles were lifting off, heading straight out of the atmosphere and onwards towards their motherships in orbit over the planet.

“Well here goes nothing.” Zaine muttered under her breath, gesturing for her teams to keep their helmets on according to the protocols that they had all been drilled in before the mission was launched. “Now we get to see if our simulations were correct or if our research has failed us.”

RESULTS:

- Sample of Bota recovered from Drognar. Other samples and information gathered for research purposes and similar tasks.

- A small picket is formally assigned to watch over the system, pending the completion of the research. Plans being drawn up to formally annex the system if the researcher's simulated process to reverse the mutation works in real life.

[PhantomVX2000]

Nar Shaddaa

The door leading to the classroom clicked open, and Kiva and her partner Rana entered. They marched into room nonchalantly, each carrying a large black suitcase. Kiva glanced around the room, at the stunned high students, a good mixture of humans and aliens, and waved at them with a delight smile. The students silently watched the two young women in black police uniforms moving over to a transparisteel window that marched along one entire wall. They were confused and surprised.

The teacher, a female Arkanian, turned and demanded, “Who are you?”

“We are the police.” Rana removed a golden badge from her black jacket’s pocket and flashed it at the teacher, silencing her.

Stepping over to the window, Kiva set down the suitcase on the table, opened the suitcase, carefully examined the inside contents, and looked up at the window. She turned to the teacher and pointed at the window, bringing the weight of the Force into her voice. “Open the window.”

“Yes, I will do that.” The teacher complied as she went over to her table and punched in her command codes into the control panel. Within a second, the transparisteel window retracted into the wall with barely a sound, and a light waft of cool breeze gushed in.

At the same time, Rana joined her partner at the table. Her brunette hair flapped in the breeze. She placed the suitcase on the table.

She looked up from the open suitcase at Kiva, “They are good.”

At same time, the Mandalorian sent her a telepathic message: I could take out the target with the Force, but doing in an old-fashioned way is much fun. Blowing the things up is much funnier.

Rana smiled at her optimistic telepathic message.

“Good, the kids are going to like it.” Kiva said, starting to assemble the contents from both suitcases into what appeared to be a missile launcher.

Rana smiled, “An unforgettable lesson.”

“Yeah, let’s give them one of their best classroom demonstrations.” Kiva replied and turned to the students. “All right, don’t be alarmed by our presence. We are here to give you a class lesson, so I will need your full attention… okay?”

Every student in the room silently nodded their head.

“Hi kids, today’s class is blowing the things up.” Rana said.

“A useful skill you should all learn.” Kiva added, showing the missile launcher to the students.

Rana pointed at the man-portable weapon, “Rest assured. It is not armed. Not yet.”

“This is PLX-4 missile launcher, one of the best, reliable launchers out there. Proudly made by Merr-Sonn. It could fire both missiles and rockets.”

“You could find them on the black markets… if you know where to look for.”

“Okay, the bad people came here from a very faraway place. They are holed up in a safe house in a very rough neighborhood, which you could see from this vantage here. These people are very dangerous ones ‘cause they prefer go down fighting rather than detained alive. Really, they would be better off dead.” Kiva braced her feet as she hefted her missile launcher onto her shoulder and aimed it at a particular tall building. “We are going to grant their wish.”

“Now here comes the best part. The firework.” Rana grinned.

“I got the target.” Looking through the targeting scope, Kiva saw a visual confirmation of a successful lock on. Her target was a forty stories tall building roughly four kilometers away.

“Keep your eye on the outside.”

Satisfied Kiva pulled the trigger. The baradium-tipped missile streaked away trailing a thin stream of white-gray smoke, accelerating toward its target at a frightening rate. The missile weaved in and out of the air traffics with grace. Two seconds later, the missile impacted, and the penthouse portion of the building dissolved in a large explosion, completely vaporizing the building’s top. In the meanwhile, the watchful students let out a collective gasp of surprise.

“Oh yeah, a very pretty boom.” Kiva grinned after putting down the missile launcher on the table.

Rana nodded, “A few less bad guys to worry about.”

“See that’s not so bad.” Kiva told the students and clasped her hands together. “Any questions?”

Almost immediately, all students raised their hand; they loved the dramatic demonstration provided by the two friendly young women.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Five hours later…

It was close to twilight. The sky was still lit, but beginning to black. The air in the run-down slum was thick and damp. Kiva stood outside the warehouse in the empty alleyway with her partner and a highly-trained twelve-man tactical squad. They came here to raid one of the safe houses. The CIS counter-intelligence detachment was able to pinpoint its location from an undercover agent they captured this morning, and Kiva saw it as a perfect opportunity to crank up the pressure on the illegal residents, an intel slang for agents with non-official cover.

“This is one of their safe houses.” Rana said.

Kiva nodded as she retrieved her super-heavy plasma pistol, “I sensed four presences inside the building, all mercenaries.”

“Well, good to know that we still have number on our side.” The commander said.

“I will on point, clearing the way for you guys. Ranna will be leading the second team, our back-up unit.” She grinned, “For your information I always like to lead and fight”

‘Yes, ma’am.” The soldiers said in unison.

“All right,” Kiva said. “Man up, the fun just got started.””

Khe felt the surge of the Force flowing through her. She held out her hand at the wall a few feet apart. With a flick of her twist, the wall exploded and a new pathway was opened, the gray dust filled the room. Immediately her senses were on alert as this place exploded with activity. She entered the building with six others trailing her, and they cleared the way with hails of blasterfire and grenades. They had an advantage with a force-user on their side, giving them a few seconds of advanced warning. This allowed them to anticipate the opposing forces' next move.

“One left, yes, he’s freaked out. I want him alive.” She said as her group reached an office on the second floor. “He’s mine.”

“Okay, he’s yours.” The commander nodded.

Soon she used the Force to tear down the door. As it crashed to the floor, a blurring form darted pass by a lone mercenary from within, and she was going very, very fast. The time seemed to slow down around her. She looked around the room then at a mercenary seemingly frozen in the time, training his blaster rifle at the door. She causally came over and stood behind him. Then the time sped up.

“What the hell…” The mercenary cursed, spraying a burst of blasterfire at the door.

“Hello, boy” Kiva said nonchalantly as she knocked the blaster rifle out of his hand with a Force-push and lashed her hand at him, sending him flying through the air into the corridor, where her team members immediately tackled on him. “Ouch, that hurts.” She said, listening to the sound of punches landing and screams.

“He’s secured.” The commander stood up as his subordinates finished securing the mercenary.

Kiva walked over to the prisoner, crouched, and asked insistently, “Where is the rest of Jedi team?”

“Not telling you!” The mercenary spat.

“Wrong answer…” With a half-smile, Kiva grabbed the prisoner’s hand, clasping her fingers around his index finger, and bent it back sharply, breaking it.

He screamed in pain.

“I will ask you again: Where is the rest of Jedi team?” She demanded.

The mercenary looked up and said hoarsely, “I’m not telling you a thing.”

“Bored now.”

Kiva delightedly took his middle finger and bent it back with a sickening bone-breaking sound. Again, he cried out in pain.

“Really, I could take my time breaking all your fingers. Your toes too.” Kiva continued, “Where are they?”

[Corp]

Bespin

"...I then withdrew my fleet in good order in the face of the enemy," Rear Admiral Tolon started finishing her report.

Sitting behind a desk Admiral Serir studies the officer before her. Standing at attention Tolon didn't seem to have a care in the world. She even had a slight smile as if she was proud of what she had done. Of course if you believed her report she had just pulled off an amazing escape. If you believed it. Putting Tolon's report Serir picked up another. "There was another report filed on the events that took place in the Anoat system by Major Hagen which puts a different light on those events."

"Major Hagen is just an engineer and would not fully understand what was going on," Tolon said dismissively.

"The Major was right beside you during these events was he not? I also point out that he's already given us strong intelligence in the past," Serir stated plainly. "Major Hagen reports a number of loses Rear Admiral Tolon. He says you first lost your head and instead of mining the system you decided to go after a probe droid. He says you next lost your nerve and ran from a small enemy patrol. He says you lost ten gunships, one frigate, and two corvettes. He says you finally lost your honour and mined the system, cutting off any escape for Commodore Lorxz and his ships. Finally he says you withdrew from the system after we promised to defend it, leaving millions to die."

Tolon shifted from foot to foot, for the first time looking nervous. "I wasn't my fault. Commodore Lorxz lead the patrol, he must answer for this defeat."

"Commodore Lorxz answered with his life." Serir stated, never raising her eyes or changing her tone. "As you should have done if you had any self respect. You destroyed the trust the people have in their military. You've disgraced us and you've shamed us. You will answer for that."

Admiral Serir set aside the report, pulled out a new pad, and began writing orders. "I'm disbanding the Sixth Fleet, it's units will be spread out among the rest of the navy. Maybe if I erase the fleet I'll be able to erase the shame. As for you Rear Admiral you will be sent back to Bakura and get a very very good lawyer. Because if I know President Kraas he's going to want to publicly hang you. Now get out."

Tolon quietly shuffled out of the office and Serir worked on getting her temper under control. She was forced to admit that the events at Anoat hadn't been a complete disaster. Everyone had expected the blow to now come to Bespin. Evacuations were underway but it would take weeks for all six million beings to be moved to safety and everyone knew that the droids wouldn't give them that time. However instead the droids had decided to attack Mataou instead. Many theories were floating around but Serir had come to believe that the enemy commander was so confused about Anoat that she had decided that Bespin must have been some kind of trap. So the droids had turned in the other direction.

The big question remained how to stop them. Serir had an idea forming in her head but she needed a lot more ships. Those sent to Bothan Space would be returning soon and ships from around the Federation were arriving in dribs and drabs. The problem was they were moving too slowly and while they gathered strength the droids kept on killing people. They needed to get out there and start cutting down the droid numbers. For now all that Serir could hope is that her enemy would copy her living counterparts and do something really stupid.

Actions:
Fallout from Anoat

[Runic Arbiter]

7th Marathon Flag Ship
Urbanus-class Star Destroyer You Should Take Note Of The Current Situation
Hyperspace


The corridor widened here, and the muffled mechanical sounds diminished. Having just passed through his shortcut, an engineering section, Hark made his way to his intended destination, receiving acknowledgement from those who passed him, and nodding back. In no time he reached the Situation’s bar, and entered.

Arla stood behind the counter, wiping down a small spill. Hark still found it odd that she had chosen such a humble occupation, when she was the leader of one of the seven groups that combined and rearranged themselves to form the 7th Marathon. However, she was becoming more of a mentor by the time of the Marathon’s formation, so a minor job wouldn’t interfere with her ability to give consul as much as a leadership position would.

The Mirialan looked up at him, and smiled.

“Greetings, Hark. I sensed you would be here soon. Kelvin and John are waiting at that table.”

Hark followed where Arla was pointing. Sure enough the Mandalorian and Stromtrooper were having their usual “philosophical” discussions. Their current gestures implied they were considering the implications of…whatever random thing they might happen to be talking about.

“So what are they talking about now?” asked Hark while Arla made his usual drink.

“You know them, they can talk about anything and make it more interesting,” Arla said with a grin. “If I’m not mistaken they are currently pondering the implications of weaponizing…ice cream.”

Hark glanced back at her, with a look of confusion mixed with amusement.

“And what about their conversation led them to that?”

“Granted, it’s not quite as random as you might think. They where originally talking about what they saw on Galaxy Today, and remembered the Tatooine representative child liked ice cream.”

Hark looked back at his two closest friends.

“So out of all she had to say, what peaked their curiosity was her interest in ice cream?”

“It would appear that way,” said the Mirialan, putting a slight emphasis on ‘appear.’ “Sometimes I think they’re just keeping me entertained. They know I’m good at listening in on separate conversations.”

“Entertainment is their thing.”

Arla passed him his drink, and Hark made his way to his comrades.



“If you think about it, a space version would be like a comet…only with more dairy involved.”

“I wonder how many scoops you would need to defeat a Star Destroyer.”

“Obviously one…at sufficient you-know-what.”

“Relativistic ice cream…Mmmmmm.”

“It’s nice to see you two pondering so hard about how to improve our lives.”

Kelvin and John turned their heads to meet the new voice. The leader of the Marathons was standing at the other side of the small round table, grinning at his two friends.

“Well, naturally,” Kelvin said happily, as Hark took a seat.

“So what brings you here?” asked John.

“Cash flow concerns,” replied Hark.

“Ah,” began Kelvin, “I take it we’ve concluded all our other contracts?”

“We have. Vadkar and Razor just called in saying they’ve finished cleaning up the pirates at Siosus, and the Cosmonaughts and Asenders finished clearing the apparently smaller than estimated Vong remnant near Kathol.”

“That was quick. Seems like we just got those contracts,” commented John.

“Bet the ‘smaller than estimated’ bit had something to do with that,” said Kelvin.

“Despite the small size, we were still paid the agreed upon amount,” said Hark. “The fact that Vong were removed was all they cared about. The pay will help sustain us for a bit, but just a bit. We need to get another contract, and preferably one that will last a while.”

“Well,” began John, “the war with SSU would have been a good one…”

“Until politics happened,” Kelvin finished for John. “I doubt the people being slaughtered in the SSU will appreciate any of it. I can only imagine what the response from the survivors will be when they learn of it all. Well anyway, that’s not what we’re talking about, so is there anything about this we could get involved in without getting sucked into politics?”

“The only thing I see is border control,” said the Marathon leader.

“Lame, but it’s better than nothing, I guess,” John commented.

“It’s not something I would call our first choice,” added Kelvin. “We got anything else? What about this Sluis Van thing? They’re looking for a private military to take care of Van’s defenses, yes?”

“That was my next option,” said Hark. “It’s something that should last for a while, and politics surrounding it is calming down, or at least at comfortable levels for us. There’s just one thing that makes me uneasy about it.”

“And that is…?” asked John, his right eyebrow raised.

“It was the Imperium’s idea,” replied Hark.

“Mmm, I see your point,” said Kelvin. “What angle are they playing at do you suppose? Have a weak defense so they can easily take over?”

“That was actually a concern the UAP addressed, to which the Imperium simply shrugged,” Hark informed.

“Most. Reassuring. Thing. Ever,” said the ex-stormtrooper.

Kelvin nodded his head in agreement. “Indeed; Doesn’t really make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Regardless though, I think we can handle this. We just have to be more creative and clever. Guns and ships can only do so much.”

“So, you both agree with this idea then?” asked Hark.

“I’m game.”

“Same,” added John. “This might get tough, but we’ve got something that beats money, power, and influence.”

“Oooh?” inquired Hark.

“Enthusiasm,” revealed Kelvin.

“And ice cream.”

[Lightning_Count]

Shulstine.



“Well that just looks lovely.” Mel smiled widely at the steaming plate of stew laid before her, and for a change genuinely meaning it. Sure it wasn’t a banquet, but it was warm and that was all that mattered.

“You’re welcome dear.” The middle aged hostess responded happily. “One for you too miss.”

She put a second dish in front of Selvaria, the two females sitting beside each other at the small table in the guest house. It was run by a jovial woman named Martha who had proven to be a decent person and a useful source of information.

“It’s not much of a meal.” Martha apologised as she took her own place at the table. “But with rationing…”

“It’s great, really.” Mel smiled back. “I love home cooking.”

“So do I.” Selvaria agreed. “I find cooking to be relaxing.”

Mel raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

The white haired agent nodded once. “It reminds me of home.”



“Well you two girls are lucky to be here.” Martha stated with a sigh. “Things are getting bad.”

“Yeah, they shut down our university.” Mel exhaled. “And with commercial routes closed for the war, we’re stuck on this planet.”

“Must be hard for students these days.”

“Really is.” Mel answered. They were working under the cover of students studying at the local university, a suitable enough back story for two relatively young women with no friends or family nearby. While both were in their early thirties by now they could pass for several years younger in the appropriate clothing and cosmetics aiding their cover. The rest of the team was operating in hiding, observing their opponents from the shadows, but it was also necessary to interact with the population to find out their thoughts, attitudes and opinions. It was potentially a highly dangerous job with the two older females being the best suited.



“it was a real change coming here to the big city.” Mel said as she ate. “We didn’t have any of this back home, we were just a little agri-colony.”

“It must have been a real culture shock.” Martha offered a smile. “It used to be much nicer here, it’s a shame you couldn’t study a few years ago.”

“Things seem real tense, with the war.”

“They were getting bad before that.” Martha shook her head. “Ever since the cult.”

“Right, that whole Matron thing.” Mel said.

“Better not say it out loud, they have ways of listening.” The hostess warned. “Even in here.”

“That’s creepy.” Mel grimaced. “So how did it all start?”



“That’s the scariest thing, I don’t know.” Martha admitted. “It’s like it showed up overnight, one minute nothing, next minute the higher ups are telling us this is the way to go, that we all have a destiny and we need to destroy those holding us back.”

“Meaning the various aliens.” Selvaria stated coldly.

“yeah, and it didn’t take long for gangs to start roaming the streets burning alien properties and taking away anyone they found and didn’t like. Not just aliens either, anyone who stood up to them.”

“Where did they go?”

“Nobody knows, but rumour is there are camps. People go in, nobody comes out.”

“Death camps?”

“You didn’t hear it from me.”



“Someone needs to do something.” Mel said. “Stop all this, don’t you think?”

“You can’t say that!” Martha hushed. “If anyone else hears they’ll take you away just for thinking it!”

“Are people so hateful around here?”

“No, not by a long way.” Martha shook her head. “Most people are decent, but there are enough fanatics to keep control. Nobody dares stand up to them, they have guns, they can do anything they want.”

“Doesn’t anyone stand up to them?”

“Sure they do, the cemetery is full of them.” Martha cautioned. “They have too much power, and people are too scared to act. Most people I know don’t want this, but we’re powerless.”

“What about the war?” Selvaria asked. “That may bring change.”

“One set of overlords for another? I don’t think so. I’ve already seen the massive casualties on the border, the destruction of civilian centres. If they come here they won’t be welcomed. People won’t fight for the government, but they will fight to defend their homes.”

“Even though the Bothans claim to be liberators?”

“They aren’t liberators. We have nothing in common with them, and everyone knows never trust a Bothan. I’m sorry girls, its just one disaster after another.”



“You’ll be safe here.” Selvaria said. “We promise.”

“Yeah.” Mel nodded. “If the worst happens we’ll look after you, and your friends.”

“That’s very nice of you, but I don’t think anything can save us now.”

“You might be surprised.” Selvaria said softly. “My mother used to make this dish, it tastes almost the same, I’d forgotten what it was like. Thank you.”

“Just a simple Nerf stew honey.” Martha smiled back.

“It’s more than that.” Selvaria replied.

“So how’s the family?” Mel asked. “I saw the pictures, you have a son and a daughter?”

“I do, both were conscripted into the military.” She said with regret. “I think you two might be as well, all the young folks are going. Except the cult members, they stay and keep people in line.”

“We’ve already got a job, protecting the good guys and girls.” Mel smiled back. “We won’t be going far.”

“I’d hate to see you two hurt, you seem like really nice people.”

“We like to make an effort.” Mel grinned in response.

“There is evil here, and we must try to stop it.” Selvaria said. “A very distinct evil, familiar. I think our presence here is fate.”

“How do you mean?” Martha frowned.

“Don’t mind her, she gets like that sometimes.” Mel dismissed. “But we will help out, try to make sure the decent people round here are okay.”

“Well you can start with the washing up…”

“I’ll do it.” Selvaria stood, the stately female decidedly out of place with something as mundane as washing up. “I used to enjoy helping in the kitchen as a child. Just leave it all to me.”

Martha smiled. “You two are the best guests I’ve had in a long time.”

Mel nodded. “You don’t know the half of it.”





Nar Shaddaa



Conrat paused half way through his drink, then rolled his eyes and finished.

“Been waiting for ya.”

“I thought so.” Kiva Ordo pulled up the chair beside him, with Barden taking the other.

“We’re not here to fight.” Barden growled. “Not today, we just wanted to talk.”

“What a coincidence.” Conrat finished his drink. “I wanted to speak to you guys too. Maris said you were Mandalorians.”

“Like you.” Barden commented.

“Like me.” Conrat confirmed. “But that’s when the similarity ends. We speak the same words, wear the same armour, but unlike you I still understand what that means.”

“We all know what it means to wear the armour brother.”

“Is that so?” Conrat returned. “Brother.”

“You wear the armour so you know the Mandalorian way.” Barden spoke. “I see your trophies, Yorik coral. You fought for our world didn’t you?”

“I fought, and took a piece of coral from every vong I killed in single combat.” Conrat confirmed. “The Mandalore called us to arms, so I answered.”

“Then you are a true Mandalorian.” Kiva said. “And we respect that.”

“I am.” Conrat replied. “Which is why I’m taking the time to talk to you. Walk away from this planet.”



“That’s funny, I was going to say the same thing.” Kiva sighed. “You don’t belong here brother, you are a war hero, you defeated Vong in single combat, that’s not an easy feat. You should be back home leading an army or something, not playing fetch for some Jedi spies.”

“You should listen to her, someone with your skills could go far back on Mandalore. We need skilled leaders, good warriors. If you come home with us you can be guaranteed a great future.”

“Stay here and you’re dead.” Kiva added pointedly. “Simple choice.”

“Yes it is.” Conrat confirmed.

“I can’t tell you why we’re doing what we do.” Barden said quietly. “But you have to believe it is for the betterment of the Mandalorian order. I don’t especially like it, but I do what I do for my people.”

“And I do what I do for the next ten generations, so they can find a story of an honourable man.” Conrat retorted. “I fight for honour, and if you understood that you’d leave.”

“We’ve all given our word.” Barden said. “Wherever it takes us.”

“Then you are being used, played.” Conrat returned. “And you are fools.”

“And what about your word? Who is using you?” Kiva asked.

“No one. I gave my word to someone who saved my life, to fight for her ideals. She died.”

“So why fight for a dead woman?”

“Because her ideals didn’t die with her, and they are worth fighting for.”

“Worth dying for?”

Conrat stood up. “We’re going to find out, aren’t we?”



“I’m sorry to see you go this way brother.” Kiva said to him. “Maybe if you knew my clan you might think different. I’m part of Clan Ordo, rulers of the Order.”

“I see. You going to pull rank on me?” Conrat asked. “Only the Mandalore himself can order me to leave.”

“I can arrange that.” Kiva said. “If it would take a direct order from him, I can get it.”

“There aren’t many of us left Conrat, and not many like you.” Barden spoke. “We really would go that far to keep you alive, and on our side.”

“If the order came I’d renounce it.” Conrat spat. “And I would tell everyone Janus Ordo was not the true Mandalore. No one who ordered a brother to break his word of honour could wear the mask of leader.”

“You’ve got a point.” Kiva nodded. “If you think anyone would take your word over his.”

“They’d listen to me.”

“Why?”

“Because my full name is Conrat Mereel, of clan Mereel.”

“Mereel? As in Jaster Mereel?” Barden asked. “Mentor to Jango Fett, father of the rebirth of the true Mandalorians?”

“My great grandfather.” Conrat agreed. “My clan is almost extinct, but not yet. Maybe it dies tomorrow, maybe not, I don’t care. If I die at your hands I die with honour, and Clan Mereel ends with its integrity intact.”

“Don’t put us in this position Conrat.”

“You’re already in it. If you come for my friends I’m going to fight you, and I will kill you.”

“Brother…”

“You are not my brother, or my sister, not if you go through with this. My brethren stand against you, they fight for a great cause and are more Mandalorian then either of you. This chat is over.”



“That worked really well.” Kiva scoffed as Conrat walked away.

“We really going to kill Jaster Mereel’s heir?”

“I’d like to keep him alive. His family might not have much power but that name carries a lot of influence. Try and avoid killing him, but if it comes down to him or us… he chose the wrong side.”

“Understood.”

They were interrupted by a beep from Kiva’s wrist mounted communicator.

“It’s the boss.” She announced before activating the audio device. “What is your bidding my master?”

“Kiva, I understand you are ready to confront the architects of the spy ring?” Dooku’s voice asked.

“I am master.”

“Good, then I have some help for you.”

“I already have help master, my comrades from Corellia.”

“Fine warriors all, but you are likely to be facing Jedi Masters my child, and no ordinary masters but those forged in battle over the course of a decade. I am sending help, by good fortune I have an associate on nar Shaddaa, and he is eager for this chance to meet a Jedi.”

“Who is he?”

“You will know him when you see him. He will meet you tonight, try to make him welcome.”

[Coyote]

Throne Room,
Theed Palace
Naboo

"So there is no business on your mind then Chi- Daren?"

"My people are at War Mi'Lady. At War with a people who would see me burn simply because I am not Human. But for today at least, I am willing to set that aside. Willing to play some cards and talk shop with another member of that Race, but one I call my friend. I note everything the SAS is doing for us and they will be paid back in more than full, but for now, let us play another hand."

The Queen smiled widely, fully giving in to her self and letting the mantle of weary ruler fall from her shoulders that day. "This time we play Sabaac, and I deal."

The Queen proved to be a remarkably deft card shuffler and dealer, surprising Daren. For a moment, the Bothan was struck by the incongruity of the image-- the Queen of Naboo, in Royal robes and courtly makeup, with a stylish thin cigarelle dangling from her bright red lips, dealing cards like an expert croupier as delicate thread sof smoke wound their way behind her ornate headdress.

"Done this before?" he quipped.
"Some cite the benefits of a classical education," the Queen said, "Which I appreciate. I, however, do not make any bones about my own life in the mid-sized village of Kaadara with a family that is just two generations removed from farming and fishing boats."

"How'd you get into politics?" Daren asked. They were playing non-changing cards, since the Queen didn't have a proper sabacc table in the Throne Room.
"It all started when a great-grandfather of mine quit being police chief and ran for mayor," she said, "He won, and from there our family moved into the civil service circles. My appointment as chief Handmaiden for Noora Raidaa was the highest in planetary politics my family had reached... until this," she said with a shrug. She got a serious look on her face and absently nibbled her lip as she looked at her cards. Daren examined his own cards --he was no stranger to sabacc, and not a pushover in it, either, but the Queen's easy familiarity was unnerving.

"So, you learned sabacc from...?" he asked.
"My grandpa," she said, "he retired from Provincial Council and taught us to play cards. He said that half the business of politics got done over card tables and bar stools on after-hours. We have a healthy club of regulars that meets downstairs, I understand."

"Indeed," he said. "Well, Chantal, what do you think? I call."

"If you insist," she said with a smile. "Beat a 22?"
"Ouch," Daren said, "I would have called a 'sabacc' if I'd had one. I figured I'd try to take you out with a mere 21."

"Gotta hang in for the long shot," she said. Daren smiled, and for a moment, the realization that deep down, there was business to be had was impossible to ignore.

"Do you ever wake up and ask yourself how we ended up here?" she asked.
"Frequently," Daren said, as if she'd been reading his mind.
"Me, too," she said, "More and more each day." She set the card deck aside. "I have to admit, I feel very uncomfortable that this Shulstine situation has degenerated into such a mess. We all should be above and beyond even a whiff of species politics. I don't hesitate because of identity; I hesitate because of the wars that have raged endlessly. Our people are tired."

"As are our own," the Bothan said. "We keep fighting to see that light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel seems to get longer and longer. The forces of oppression and hate keep building it, adding bricks on one and as we stumble through in the dark. But we are making progress."

"I sometimes wonder," the Queen admitted. She was quiet for a moment. "The SAS is happy to help secure your borders while the Bothans fight; and we are happy to increase the size of our fleet in your space so that the Federation can go fight the robots that are troubling them."

"You are dealing with many situations," Daren said, "The Sluis Van talks, the Denon talks-- they've calmed considerably, thank the gods, but... you have all that and the Hutt operations. It's not an enviable situation."

"And," she said, "I fear that this robot situation in the Federation may prove to be the next thorn in our sides..."




Results:
Chief Councilor Daren Dza'Tey and Queen Chantal Apailana-II relax and discuss things casually.
***